Effectiveness of CFK Africa Girl’s Empowerment Program in Enhancing Women’s Economic Status in Kibera, Nairobi City County, Kenya

Abstract

In many parts of Africa, including Kenya, girls and women face significant barriers to participating in sports and accessing the benefits that come with it. Girls and women experience specific challenges, including traditional gender norms that discriminate against them, poverty, and lack of financial resources, which limit their access to educational, social, and economic opportunities. Furthermore, girls and women living in urban informal settlements (slums) and marginalised communities face increased risks of harassment, assault, and other safety issues. These barriers limit the ability of girls and women in slums across Africa to access the transformative power of sports, which can build confidence and leadership skills and unlock educational and economic opportunities. Addressing these challenges is crucial for promoting gender equality and empowering the next generation of African women. In this regard, CFK Africa has implemented a holistic girls’ empowerment program through soccer in the informal settlement of Kibera for over 20 years. The girls’ empowerment soccer program enrols young girls aged 10-30 years to participate in soccer games and receive training in life skills. This study evaluated the impact of soccer on the well-being and social and economic development of the participants in the program. A qualitative approach was used in the study, which involved focus group discussions and key informant interviews to collect data on their experiences and assess changes. The evaluation found that the girls’ empowerment through soccer fostered confidence, teamwork, and community engagement among the girls. Participation in soccer programs specifically designed for girls helps them develop physical skills and valuable life lessons that enhance their personal growth, sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH), and economic empowerment. Twenty girls from the program have been incorporated into the Kenya National Premier League and are now earning. Soccer initiatives, especially for girls, play a crucial role in education and economic empowerment while challenging traditional gender norms and inspiring positive social change by offering a platform to build resilience and impart leadership qualities. The paper recommends continued support and investment in soccer programs for the girls as these promote SRH and enhance the social inclusion, well-being, and economic empowerment of young women in informal settlements like Kibera, Kenya.