Ex-Harambee Starlets star Esse Akida urges women’s empowerment to fight GBV in sports

Former Harambee Starlets forward Esse Mbeyu Akida is calling for greater awareness and empowerment of athletes to address the rising issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in sports.

Akida serves as a member of the Gender Protection and Implementation Committee, tasked with the mandate of developing policies to curb GBV and create a safe working environment for sportswomen and even men.

The ex-international expressed deep concern over the increasing number of GBV incidents involving athletes. She highlighted the severe impact such cases have had on some of Kenya’s most prominent figures across various sporting disciplines.

Speaking during a sports forum following a stakeholders' meeting in Kwale County, the former PAOK (Greece) player stressed the importance of equipping athletes with the knowledge and tools needed to protect themselves and build safe, sustainable careers in sports.

“Many of our athletes, both men and women, have gone through difficult experiences due to a lack of awareness and education,” said Akida.

“Some of our biggest names in athletics have achieved international success, but return home to face gender-based violence. That’s why we’re here in Kwale—to educate and empower.”

She emphasized the need for structured training and awareness programs, so athletes are not only protected but also positioned to thrive professionally.

Akida also urged the government to strengthen and empower local sports committees, enabling them to reach grassroots communities and better educate young athletes.

“It’s time for every stakeholder to step up, invest in sports, and support our youth,” she noted. “This goes beyond the game—it’s about protecting lives and creating opportunities.”

The committee, which includes legal experts, gender advocates, and an advisory board, will continue its work in Kwale through the weekend. The initiative will conclude with a series of multi-sport competitions.

Findings from a recent commission report revealed troubling statistics: 76% of team and technical managers are men, 80% of sports federations are male-led, and 57% of athletes interviewed reported experiencing sexual abuse on more than ten occasions.

The committee's mandate includes implementing recommendations from the 2022 report, developing policies to prevent GBV in sports, creating a framework for multi-agency collaboration, and advancing gender mainstreaming within sports organizations.