Moving the Goalposts: a new project to combat inequality in Kenya

WSC: What benefits has this given them and what has the feedback been like?

GA: As we work towards ending all forms of discrimination, MTG has established 52 secure, safe spaces where girls and young women can play sport and practise leadership to thrive and change community attitudes about women in sport. 

MTG ensures that all girls attend school, return to education after delivering a baby, or take up entrepreneurial activities to sustain themselves and their families. 

In 2023, 85% transited to secondary school, where 183 girls were connected to scholarship, with 85 receiving a direct scholarship from MTG and 42 referred to other organisations for external scholarship support. 

Additionally, 27 of the total of 88 girls and young women who sat the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) embraced opportunities in college and vocational training centres.

MTG programs have facilitated the presence of girls and women in new spheres previously unavailable to them, such as officiating soccer matches, and taking on leadership and responsibilities in the community. 

MTG’s 2023 annual survey results also showed that:

• 65% (of all respondents) reported a positive impact on their health, attributing it to awareness campaigns and improved access to healthcare resources and services facilitated by MTG.
• 51.7% reported they had gained the confidence to decide at which age to get married, and to whom.
• 29.7% reported they are now aware of sexually transmitted infections.

WSC: Why is it so important to have this program available within the communities you serve? 

GA: In the target counties, more than 50% of adolescent girls are not in education, employment or training and live in absolute poverty. 

For these girls, early marriage is perceived to ensure financial security, as girls lack the formal qualifications to enter education or employment. 

Once married, these girls are at increased risk of contracting HIV or sexually-transmitted infections, or early pregnancy, due to a lack of sexual reproductive health education and their inability to negotiate contraception use. 

As girls become pregnant, financial dependence on husbands increases, resulting in girls fearing destitution and silently enduring gender-based violence and other harmful practices, such as widow inheritance and domestic violence, which are prevalent in the region. 

MTG works to dismantle these systemic issues that stem from, and perpetuate, gender inequality, while also providing girls and women with education, sexual and reproductive health information and services, and leadership opportunities for their full and active participation and decision-making in society.

WSC: What are the future plans for the programme?

GA: By 2030, MTG intends to increase the number of girls playing soccer to 100,000 – with 1,000 girls in leadership positions. 

MTG has launched the Green Dreams Solar Project, as part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions. This is among our inaugural efforts to educate our girls and communities on climate change. 

MTG is also focused on developing a state-of-the-art sports facility, the Field of Dreams Sports Academy. This will inspire the dreams of adolescent girls and young women in rural communities in coastal Kenya. 

The academy will create a world of difference annually for 200,000 adolescent girls and young women, and members of neighboring rural communities, who will gain free access to modern sporting facilities, equipment and training programs that will be specially designed by, and for, women and girls.

case study

"Since I joined MTG in 2020, I have gained knowledge, skills and explored my talents through activities, seminars, training and workshops. It has built my thoughts and sense of belonging. 

"I grew up in Tana River where, culturally, the girl is not given equal opportunities with the boy. Girls are left at home to do the chores and eventually get married. 

"I’m so proud and I stand to be counted to say that MTG has positively impacted my life across all diversities!"

Rynax Fibe Amuma, 16