In a world where gender inequality continues to undermine the potential of countless women and girls, partnerships that strive to bridge these gaps are not just vital—they are transformative. The collaboration between Pamoja Girls, a female empowerment organization, and Women Up, a key initiative under Green-Kenya, exemplifies the power of unity in the fight against all forms of inequality.
Pamoja Girls was founded with the mission to empower girls all over the world to believe in themselves to thrive. From education to mentorship, the organization focuses on building confidence, fostering leadership, and encouraging young women to take charge of their futures. Their programs emphasize not only personal development but also the importance of giving back to the community, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.
Women Up, an initiative under Green-Kenya, shares this vision but with a unique focus on eradicating all forms of inequalities through sports. Green-Kenya has long been known for its commitment to using sports as a tool for social change, and Women Up embodies this by promoting gender equality through sports. By engaging women and girls in sports, Women Up aims to break down gender barriers, foster teamwork, and build resilience—key components in the fight against inequality.
“The first time I read the Pamoja Girls Leaders Book, I did not learn as much as I did when I wrote the session plans. When I created the session plans based on the 50 topics in the book, I figured out how to adjust the activities and questions to fit the age and needs of the girls and the venue of the workshops”. Leah, Women Up Coordinator
The partnership between Pamoja Girls and Women Up is a natural alliance, united by the common goal of eradicating inequality. Sports, as a universal language, offers a powerful platform for challenging stereotypes and promoting equality. Through this partnership, both organizations are leveraging the power of sports to reach young women in underserved communities, offering them not just a chance to play, but to lead.
Since the partnership’s inception in 2020, there have been remarkable strides in the communities served by Pamoja Girls and Women Up. Girls who once doubted their abilities are now taking on leadership roles, both in sports and in their communities. The sports programs have become more than just a place to play; they are safe spaces where young women can express themselves, learn, and grow.
“I am so thankful for the collaboration between Women-Up and Pamoja Girls. Green-Kenya was the first organization to start working with Pamoja Girls Books, so they will always have a special place in our hearts. Following the amazing Green-Kenya team on empowering girls through sports and having these important discussions is so inspiring. We are so excited to continue working together.”. Vendela Barck, Pamoja Girls Co-funder
Moreover, this collaboration is breaking down the deep-seated cultural norms that often restrict women’s participation in sports. By seeing their peers excel in sports, other girls are inspired to step out of their comfort zones and pursue their passions, whether in sports or other areas of life.
The work of Pamoja Girls and Women Up is far from over, but the progress made so far is a testament to the power of partnership in achieving social change. As we continue to work together, the focus remains on expanding our reach, bringing more young women into the fold, and using sports as a vehicle for lasting positive change.
We all inequality is still a reality for too many, the partnership between Pamoja Girls and Women Up under Green-Kenya offers a beacon of hope. It shows that when organizations come together with a shared vision, they can not only empower individuals but also drive systemic change, creating a more just and equitable world for all.
Women Up…While we are strong, together we are stronger
