We hosted a transformative Football for Gender Equality Tournament at Msumarini Community Grounds in Kilifi South Sub-County in partnership with BizGov Group of Companies. Under the theme “Kicking for Equality – Together Against Gender-Based Violence,” the event used the power of sport to spark meaningful conversations and ignite community action.
Beyond the matches, the tournament became a dynamic platform for awareness, mentorship, and advocacy as the world gear up for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Young participants engaged in interactive group sessions on child rights and protection, menstrual hygiene, and the prevention and reporting of gender-based violence, breaking taboos and empowering both girls and boys.
The mixed-gender matches went beyond competition, they became symbols of unity and inclusion, demonstrating that equality is not just an idea but something we must practice every day.
“Sport is a powerful tool to bring communities together. By creating spaces where young people can play, learn, and interact, we are fostering equality, protection, and empowerment. Watching boys and girls play together with respect and encouragement for one another has been very inspiring,” reflected Janet Motah, Co-founder of Tuungane CBO.
The event also marked the launch of BizGov’s Brand Ambassadorship, with a generous donation of sports gear including boots, goalkeeper gloves, sets of jerseys, footballs, whistles, and socks to support Tuungane CBO’s men’s and women’s teams in upcoming leagues and tournaments. Tournament winners were recognized with awards, including a trophy for the winning team and personalized trophies for the best player and best goalkeeper. Additional donations included dignity packs for all girls in the Msumarini program, t-shirts for all participants, and other goodies.
“At BizGov group of Companies, we are driven by a simple yet powerful mission: We advise, we invest, we build. Our work spans multiple sectors; from agriculture and infrastructure to technology and healthcare, all aimed at driving sustainable growth and creating long-term value. Through our Humanitarian Aid Program, we aim to give back to communities in meaningful ways, supporting youth programs, education, and grassroots initiatives that create lasting impact. This year, we selected Tuungane CBO because of their outstanding work empowering young people through sports and art. Tuungane CBO exemplifies the kind of partnership we want to support, where our investment goes beyond resources and truly transforms lives,” said Jacqueline Okoba, Executive Assistant, BizGov Group of Companies.
Participants also shared their experiences from the event:
“Having new gear will really boost our confidence and help us perform better, especially for the ongoing leagues and tournaments,” said Alex, Team Leader.
“I loved playing with new friends and learning about standing up against GBV and menstrual hygiene management. I can’t wait for the next session!” added Najma, an under-14 girl participant, smiling after the mentorship sessions.
As we approach the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, events like this are incredibly important to us at Tuungane CBO and to the people of Kilifi. They give us an opportunity to engage the youth, raise awareness, and foster a culture of equality and protection in our communities.
“We are deeply grateful to the entire BizGov team for choosing Tuungane as a partner and for supporting our mission. We also appreciate our volunteers, coaches, and every young person who brought energy, purpose, and hope to the field. Together, we are nurturing a generation that values equality, protects children, and boldly stands against GBV,” said Diana Abucheli – Head of Partnerships- Tuungane CBO.