This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, Wadadia FC, a top contender in the Kenya Women's Premier League, has found an unexpected way to contribute to the fight against the virus.
With the suspension of the Kenyan football season in March, the team's title ambitions were put on hold. However, the players, who are also survivors of obstetric fistula and sexual abuse, have used their time to engage in another activity they are lesser known for - tailoring.
Under the guidance of tailoring tutor Margaret Muniafu, the 30-member team has been training in tailoring and making different clothes and wears. Following the outbreak of the coronavirus, they have switched gears to making face masks due to the high demand.
Monica Odato, the team captain and goalkeeper, explained that they distribute the face masks free of charge to vulnerable people in and around Mumias who are unable to afford them.
According to Muniafu, their main aim is to make the girls self-reliant and self-employed. They hope that after the pandemic, some of the players will go for attachment and eventually start their own businesses.
