The Gender Gap in Sports Participation

Women’s sports in Kenya and Uganda continue to show low participation numbers compared to men sports. Despite the rise of elite female athletes in Rugby, Football, and Distance Running, the reality at the grassroots level a noticeable adjustment is yet to take shape. Many young girls lack opportunities, encouragement, and access to structured and inclusive programmes to get involved in sports.

Data from last year’s Tujiamini Initiative highlights this gap. In its first year, the programme revealed a significant imbalance between male and female applications. Even with deliberate marketing strategies to attract more female applications, participation for young women remained notably lower than that of their male counterparts.

This disparity is not due to a lack of talent but rather deep-rooted social barriers, from gender stereotypes to limited access to training and mentorship. If Kenya is to strengthen women’s sports, change must begin at the grass-roots, through sports development programmes that actively engage, support, and inspire young girls to play while also equipping them with the skills to succeed beyond the field.

The Role of Sports Development Programmes in Social Change

The lack of female participation in sports is more than just an issue of numbers; it is a broader social challenge. Many girls drop out of sports due to societal expectations, a lack of role models, and inadequate resources. Without proper structures in place, it becomes difficult to normalise female participation in sports and build a culture that encourages equal sporting opportunities.

Sports development programmes have the power to shift this narrative by ensuring that girls have access to the same coaching, facilities, and competitive experiences as boys. By introducing structured playing programmes, they are able to break down gender stereotypes and provide education around equality and other topics. Furthermore, they provide a platform for female athletes to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and gain exposure to positive role models who can inspire the next generation.

Beyond the field, participation in sports creates safe spaces for girls, offering them social support and an environment where they can develop resilience and teamwork. However, to ensure that sports development truly empowers young female athletes, it must go beyond training sessions and tournaments. Girls need more than just access to play; they need education in financial literacy and entrepreneurship to prepare them for life.

Empowering Female Athletes Beyond the Field

For women’s sports to thrive in Kenya, a more holistic approach is needed, one that not only increases participation but also prepares female athletes for long-term success. Introducing girls to different sports at an early age is crucial in shifting perceptions and encouraging more participation.

Beyond early exposure, sustainable growth in women’s sports requires significant investment. More funding is needed to ensure that female athletes have access to quality training, equipment, and competitive opportunities. Additionally, developing more female coaches and sports leaders is essential in breaking down barriers and creating an environment where young girls can see themselves represented.

Challenging social norms is equally important in shifting mindsets and creating an environment where female participation in sports is widely accepted and encouraged. Media coverage, community engagement, and policy reforms all play a role in reshaping public perception and ensuring that women’s sports receive the recognition and support they deserve.

Kenya and Uganda have both proven in Female sports that they have the talent, but talent alone is not enough. To truly grow women’s sports, sports development programmes must be recognised as powerful tools for both social and economic change.