BUNGOMA COUNTY, KENYA – In a powerful and unexpected twist to combat persistent challenges like teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence, Bungoma County has turned to the beautiful game: football.
Local NGO WEMA Organization, under the leadership of CEO Elizabeth Juma, launched a football-centered empowerment initiative in 2023 with the aim of keeping girls off the streets and firmly rooted in their education. What began as a simple community intervention has quickly gained momentum, drawing widespread support from residents and sparking hopes for future government involvement.
Speaking to Prime Africa News, Juma revealed the driving force behind the initiative: “I wanted to give girls something fun and productive to look forward to during school breaks — an activity that not only keeps them engaged but also protects them.”
Since its inception, WEMA has organized five tournaments during school holidays. These safe and structured events have provided a dual opportunity — allowing girls to enjoy competitive sports while learning critical life skills and values. The tournaments have taken place in secure, community-supported environments, encouraging participation while shielding girls from risky behaviors.
“Our model combines education, environmental awareness, and the empowerment of young women,” Juma explained. “Today, the girls are so involved in constructive activities that they don’t have time for risky conduct such as early sexual practices.”
The results have been remarkable. According to Juma, the program has contributed to a notable decline in teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence, while also improving school retention rates among girls. Beyond that, several standout athletes have earned four-year scholarships to top-tier secondary schools, a testament to the program’s far-reaching impact.
But for Juma and WEMA, this is just the beginning.
“Champion building is our mission — and it goes far beyond the field,” she emphasized.
WEMA now seeks support from the County Government, National Government, and the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) to expand its reach. With increased resources, the organization aims to impact even more young girls through sport, education, and empowerment.
As Bungoma County continues to make headlines for this transformative initiative, it stands as a glowing example of how community-driven solutions — when met with passion and purpose — can tackle deep-rooted social issues in innovative and lasting ways.
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