Irene Onyango is a young female promoter of football for all. In 2018, she began with a group of 55 girls. Today, she has 270 girls into football.   

Earlier, Kisumu County in Kenya was overwhelmed with issues on gender-based violence (GBV). To address these issues, young people either escape, or be empowered – learn their rights and how to handle GBV issues they face.  Football became a tool that empowered these young people, males, females, and people with disabilities.  

Beyond football. By engaging girls in football, KEFEADO offers an alternative space for girls to learn and speak up against GBV. They have guided conversations about their bodies, and their human rights. Traditionally, football is a sport that belongs to boys, and not to girls. Women are being left behind. Irene helps change that perception, by being a girl in football.  Today, they shout out that “Football is for Everyone!”  Even people with disabilities can play.

Playing football has changed the lives of young people. Football has strengthened their bodies, a boost for their self-protection.  As exemplified by Irene – she now has a Voice (fighting for young people’s rights), Power (transforming lives through football), and Acts (for herself, having her own source of livelihood alongside her advocacy of promoting football for all). The girls have become entrepreneurs – making liquid detergent, hand wash soap, hand-made floor mats and necklaces.