Activists Up Close: Meet Mercy, a Girls Boxing Coach and Mentor in Kenya

Mercy Musila Musikali grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, like so many girls in her community: shy, lacking confidence and feeling limited by the social expectations of what women can be or do. But then she discovered boxing, and an entire world opened up to her.  

Today, Mercy is a coach and mentor for adolescent girls at Box Girls Kenya — the same organization that helped shape the woman she is today. With AJWS’s support, Box Girls runs a gym and community center in Nairobi, where girls just like Mercy learn how to defend themselves, understand their sexual health and rights, become leaders and take control of their futures.   

Meet Mercy to see how she and Box Girls are changing what’s possible for girls in Nairobi. 

Want to support the work of Mercy, and thousands of other inspiring activists in 18 countries around the world? Donate to AJWS and help power their life-changing work!