Kenya is training its girls living in slums on how to feel more confident and defend themselves in hazardous situations through a boxing charity event. Fashion designer and businesswoman, Victoria Beckham is leading this charge as she is currently in Kenya for the project dubbed ‘box girls’ and other charity events.
The project which is also to promote women’s boxing is funded by Comic Relief and targets girls aged eight to 18. The 43-year-old and mother of four has been showing off her boxing skills and other details on her Instagram page.
The BoxGirls programme was introduced by boxing coach Analo Anjere otherwise known as Priest, who was teaching young men and women in the Eastland’s area of Nairobi. He, however, started teaching girls after two girls from a local school showed interest in learning how to box like the boys. The BoxGirls community eventually grew stronger, particularly during times of unrest in Kenya. Local media say the community became a safe place for girls to interact with each other and discuss pressing issues.
This is Victoria Beckham’s second tour in Kenya after being named a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador in 20014. In 2016, the 43-year-old celebrity was in the East African country to support the Beyond Zero campaign spearheaded by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta. The campaign was to improve maternal and child health outcomes in the country.
