The global rise of esports is undeniable, yet the representation of women in gaming remains an area ripe for improvement. Nonetheless, there’s a heartening trend of young women making significant strides in the African gaming scene.

Kenya stands out as a beacon of progress in this regard, with a concerted effort to elevate women in esports beyond token acknowledgment. This commitment was underscored by the recent launch of the Women in Esports Chapter on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing journey towards gender diversity and empowerment in esports.

Anne Omondi, Vice President of the Esports Kenya Federation, emphasized this commitment in her closing remarks at the launch, signalling a collective determination to create an environment where women can thrive in competitive gaming.

Shirley Adema, known as Dark Willow in the gaming world, epitomises the impact of the progressive initiatives of the Esports Kenya Federation. As captain of Kenya’s Dota 2 Women’s Team, Dark Willow led her team to success at the Global Esports Games last year.