In the heart of Samburu, a new kind of brilliance is taking shape. It isn’t just found in the classroom; it’s being forged on the training mats.

The Brilliant Feminine, with the strategic support of the Kenya Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation (KTIMF), is officially launching the Ubunifu Cohort. This intensive 6-month program is our direct answer to the shadow of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). We are no longer just talking about change—we are training for it.

More Than a Kick: A 6-Month Transformation

Led by the formidable Instructor Lona Abiero and supported by the visionary Abdikadir Ismail, the Ubunifu Cohort is designed for girls aged 10–15. While the curriculum includes high-level kicking and striking techniques, the “Ubunifu” (Creativity/Innovation) element goes much deeper.

The program focuses on:

  • Physical Self-Defense: Practical skills to escape and neutralize physical threats.
  • Psychological Resilience: Building the mental “armor” to navigate life’s challenges.
  • Challenging the Status Quo: Empowering girls to speak out against retrogressive cultural practices that have historically held them back.

Shifting the Narrative in a Male-Dominated Society

This initiative recognizes that awareness alone is not enough. To truly end GBV, we must move into the realm of prevention.

As stressed by Elvis Ole Mpakuanik (Asst. Sec Gen, KTIMF), Twalib Rashid, and Halima Abdikadir, the Ubunifu Cohort is about lasting empowerment. In a society where girls have often been silenced, we are teaching them that their voices—and their bodies—are their own.

“We are not just teaching girls how to fight; we are teaching them that they are worth fighting for.” — The Brilliant Feminine Team

Breaking Cultural Barriers

The Ubunifu Cohort is a bridge between tradition and the future. By instilling confidence and discipline, we are helping these young women break down the barriers of “what is expected” and replacing them with “what is possible.”

When a 12-year-old girl in Samburu realizes she has the strength to defend her physical space, she begins to realize she also has the power to defend her dreams, her education, and her future.

Support the Movement

The launch of the Ubunifu Cohort is just the beginning of a 6-month journey of transformation. Follow our hashtag to see the progress of these incredible young women as they reclaim their power.

#SamburuGirls #MartialArtsForChange #EndGBV #SelfDefenseSkills #UbunifuCohort #TheBrilliantFeminine