Women’s Athlete Empowerment Initiative in Nairobi illuminated the sporting world with the kind of hope and courage that goes far beyond the joys of victory or the lessons of defeat. At the heart of this revolution was the breathtaking Empower Mchezaji tournament, where the Wangari Warriors etched their names into history, claiming the first-ever championship and igniting a conversation about what it really means to empower female athletes in Kenya and across Africa.
More than just a game – a statement of intent
The Mashuuru Complex in Kajiado County became the beating heart of inclusivity on July 19, when twelve teams from across the region converged in what would become a day rich with skill, camaraderie, and activism. This was no ordinary event. Built on the dreams of football advocate and media personality Nana Owiti, Empower Mchezaji was created as a sanctuary for women to play, heal, and be seen. It went far beyond the pitch, addressing powerful themes such as gender-based violence, early marriages, and the invisible chains that hold so many female athletes back in their sporting journeys.
The tournament format itself was a subtle message, a 7-a-side contest where every side included one male player among six women, demonstrating a powerful model for balance and inclusivity on the field and off it. The teams were named in homage to Kenyan heroines, honoring icons like Wangari Maathai, Faith Kipyegon, Orie Rogo Manduli, and Janet Wanja. Each name carried weight, a story, and a message of breaking through barriers for generations to come.
Wangari Warriors battle to the top
The journey for the Wangari Warriors was anything but straightforward. Their campaign started with a 2-1 loss to Chelagat Warriors, raising early doubts about their championship chances. But resilience is the trait of true champions. They bounced back, dominating Wanja Waves 4-0 to close out the pool stage on a high note.
In the semifinals, the Warriors displayed grit and skill, overcoming a determined Obiri Starlets side 2-0. The grand finale was a tense rematch against Chelagat Warriors, the very team that handed Wangari their opening defeat. After a 1-1 draw in regular time, nerves were tested as the match went to penalties. It was here that Wangari Warriors’ composure and unity shone brightest, edging out Chelagat Warriors 2-1 from the spot.
The squad’s lineup underscored the increasing depth in Kenyan women’s football, featuring standout performers like Duke Abuya of Yanga SC, Corazon Aquino, Diana Wacera, Fasila Adhiambo, and Faith Mboya. Their triumph was not merely about silverware, it was a public statement of intent. Female athletes, given platforms and purpose, can meet the moment and inspire entire communities.
Healing, community, and hope – the deeper layers of empowerment
Nana Owiti’s voice trembled with emotion as she reflected on why and how the Empower Mchezaji tournament came to life. For her, it was about filling a void in women’s football, creating a safe and supportive ecosystem where the smallest victories and the largest challenges are shared by all.
“What inspired me to host this tournament is the void. I’ve been attending women’s matches, and I saw the gap. As an influencer with a platform, I wanted to use it to bring change,” Owiti shared with Mozzart Sport. Her personal roots – her aunt being a founder of Ulinzi Starlets – have deeply shaped her devotion to the women’s game.
The festivities in Mashuuru were intentionally removed from the city’s hustle, offering players a rare opportunity to reflect amid nature, away from the distractions and judgements of everyday life. It was healing, a community, and a celebration, all woven into one.
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Rewriting the script for women in sport
The Empower Mchezaji tournament was just one spark in a much larger bonfire of change. In Nairobi, the unveiling of the ‘Rise Her Game’ initiative signaled a continent-wide vision for female athlete empowerment. Orchestrated by SPL founder Syombua A. Kibue, this platform seeks to address entrenched gender inequalities in Kenyan and African sports with fresh hope and undeniable urgency.
At its core, Rise Her Game is committed to supporting women athletes both on and off the field. The ambition is three-pronged: guaranteed fair wages for female athletes, national broadcasting deals to boost visibility, and comprehensive professional support to usher in Kenya’s first true women’s professional league. The project even aims to create Africa’s first Kshs10 Million per year female football, ran audacious goal that speaks volumes about its ambition.
The statistics underscore the desperation for change. Financial insecurity haunts the majority of female athletes. A reported 42% depend on abusive partners, while a staggering 68% leave sport altogether by the age of 18 due to mounting domestic and economic pressures. Women’s sport, as a whole, receives only 3% of the national sports budget in Kenya, amplifying the urgent call for meaningful investment and visibility.
The stories beyond the scoreboard
Part of what makes this new movement transformative is its commitment to storytelling. The Rise Her Game campaign is pledged to tell the stories of forgotten heroes: from athletes juggling motherhood, work, and matches, to those funding their dreams by selling street food. The guiding mantra is simple yet profound, when she rises, we all do.
This message will ripple out through digital campaigns, televised specials, and deliberate collaborations, converting cultural resonance into commercial power. As Wairimu Nyathira, co-founder of SPL and Rise Her Game, passionately explained, “If we want women’s sports to thrive, we must treat it as a viable brand, not a charity case. Quality media, brand storytelling, and smart marketing are how we turn women’s sport into a thriving sports economy.”
The road ahead – more than just hope
The success of the Empower Mchezaji tournament, crowned by the fairytale run of the Wangari Warriors, is just the first step. Nana Owiti is already dreaming bigger, determined to make the next edition an even grander platform for visibility, sustainability, and support. “Next time, we’ll have more time to prepare and bring sponsors on board. It’s no longer just a dream; it’s something tangible,” she said.
For every young girl in Kenya with a football at her feet and a dream in her heart, this is a revolution happening in real time. The movement is gathering pace, shaped by fierce, unapologetic women whose victories and struggles off the pitch matter just as much as the goals scored on it.
Final word – a legacy in the making
Women’s Athlete Empowerment Initiative in Nairobi and the Empower Mchezaji championship are more than trending headlines or fleeting moments. They are bricks in the foundation of a new legacy—one where women athletes have space to heal, room to grow, and the spotlight to shine. And as the final whistle blew for Wangari Warriors on that memorable day in Mashuuru, the echo carried far beyond the pitch. It was a promise to every female athlete: this is your time, and this is just the beginning.
Key results and tournament highlights
- Wangari Warriors rebounded from an opening loss to win the title,
- the final match against Chelagat Warriors ended 1-1 before Wangari triumphed 2-1 on penalties,
- top players included Duke Abuya, Corazon Aquino, Diana Wacera, Fasila Adhiambo, and Faith Mboya.
The women’s sport revolution in Kenya is gathering momentum, driven by the passion of its players, the dedication of organizers like Nana Owiti and Syombua A. Kibue, and the growing chorus of supporters who believe that when she rises, we all do.
