Why we need more women at the pool table games

Pool is often viewed as a male-dominated sport, with the game traditionally associated more with men than women.

However, many women now have ventured into the game despite breaking stereotypes.

At the recent Space Pool Fiesta, the women's competition was fierce, with a team from Nakuru advancing to the quarterfinals.

Glory Kioko, a player from Chilli's, started playing pool five years ago and calls it one of the best decisions she has ever made. She admits, though, that she wishes she had begun sooner.

“I got into pool because I used to go with my husband, who also plays. Over time, I became more drawn to the game and haven’t put the cue stick down since,” she says.

For three years, Glory played pool casually as a hobby, but last year, she took the step to compete professionally. While she’s achieved significant milestones, her journey has been challenging.

She acknowledges that women who play pool often face unfair judgment, with many viewing them as immoral rather than athletes.

“Society tends to look at women who play pool as less respectable, but I was lucky to have my husband’s support from the start. His encouragement kept me going,” she explains.

Though she’s experienced occasional harassment, Glory has learned to stand her ground. She credits her teammates for always having her back.

“Pool is mostly played in clubs where people drink, and sometimes, they cross the line. I’ve dealt with inappropriate behavior, but I shut it down. Fortunately, I always feel safe because I know my team is there for me,” she says.

Glory hopes to see more women embracing the sport and competing at higher levels, which she believes will help close the pay gap between male and female players.

Jedidah Mwangi, another female pool player, picked up the game in April last year after an accident left her with a broken leg. She needed a new activity to stay engaged.

“I used to ride dirt bikes, but after injuring my knee, I couldn’t continue. A friend introduced me to pool, and I’ve been hooked ever since,” she shares.

Though her family was initially unsupportive, they eventually came around. Her friends, however, were her biggest supporters, even buying her first cue stick.

Jedidah notes that women in pool often have to work twice as hard as men to prove themselves. She believes self-confidence is essential for success.

She competed in her first tournament and impressively reached the quarterfinals, defeating some of Kenya’s top players along the way.

For women interested in the sport, Jedidah advises joining an established team for proper training and a supportive environment.

She also encourages the government to invest more in the sport by organizing tournaments, creating women-friendly arenas, and providing equipment, which can be expensive.