Boxgirls Kenya: Fighting for Girls' Safety and Confidence in Nairobi's Slums

Established in 2008 in the aftermath of Kenya's post-election violence, Boxgirls Kenya was created by coach Alfred 'Priest' Analo to give girls and young women in Nairobi's toughest neighbourhoods a way to defend themselves and challenge norms that exclude them from male-dominated spaces. The organisation now runs boxing and mentorship programmes across eight informal settlements, including Mathare, Korogocho, Huruma and Kayole, combining training with education on rights, leadership and reproductive health. Boxgirls Kenya has trained more than 4,000 girls in boxing and self-defence since its founding, with alumnae going on to represent Kenya internationally and lead community advocacy for a national women's boxing league.