WYS: Tell us about the inception of Skater Girls, what were your inspirations and vision?
Jelimo: I was inspired to start this platform because there wasn’t any community established specifically for female skaters. Additionally, I recently graduated from a Product Manager course, and starting Girl Skate Nairobi is a project through which I’m practicing my skills. I’m also collaborating with Antoinette, the Co-Founder, who is one of the best female skaters in Kenya. Together, we organize skateboard training for women and girls and partner with Kenyan brands and creatives to promote their clothing lines. So far, we’ve collaborated with Kali Works, Nairobi Nnoize, and Bantu Kyosk. Our goal is to continue inspiring more girls to skate and pursue their passions. We’re actively involving girls from our community to help us achieve our mission.
WYS: Have you always been interested in the craft or did it become a budding passion once you grew up?
Jelimo: Interestingly, skateboarding wasn’t initially on my radar. I always admired the cool aesthetics of cruising on wheels, especially reflected in my fashion choices. It wasn’t until August 2022 that I ventured into skateboarding when a friend lent me a skateboard and taught me the ropes.
WYS: Skating has been affiliated with men in the industry. What was the need to start a group uplifting women while showcasing the recreational beauty of skating?
Jelimo: Creating a community exclusively for women and girls in skating was about providing a safe space. It’s a place where we feel supported, practice together, and learn faster. This community fosters friendships and connects us deeply. Moreover, it aims to bring awareness and representation to female skateboarders in Kenya, inspiring more girls and women to challenge stereotypes and pursue their passions.
WYS: What has been your biggest challenge so far in the Skater Girls community?
Jelimo: Our primary challenge has been the lack of safety gear and skateboards, which are quite expensive. This scarcity significantly slows down our progress. Additionally, the absence of proper skate parks, facilities, and safe roads for practice pose challenges. Women often lack safe spaces to skate without the fear of harassment on the streets. Luckily the Australian High Commission sponsored us and we currently have a number of boards and are in the process of creating more.
WYS: How do you think people can actively participate in contributing to the growth of the craft?
Jelimo: Active participation could come in various forms: donating gear and skateboards, encouraging the government to build proper skateparks, sponsoring our events to gather more enthusiasts, and supporting individual skaters in their journeys.
WYS: You had your inaugural Skate event a couple of years ago. Any thoughts on that?
Jelimo: The inaugural Skate Jam marked a historic moment for us, being the first-ever skate jam in Kenya hosted by women, which also included skate contests exclusively for women. It’s an exciting step forward for the community, and we’re thrilled to see it all come together as it has created numerous opportunities for us and the community at large.
Adulting is often tedious, especially with the necessary responsibilities that drive us to have a better life. The Skater Girls look at the opportunity of life from a positive angle as they champion unity, sisterhood and teamwork. While there is notable development made to the Skater community by Jelimo, Antoinette and Skater Girls, Rome was not built in a day. With support from the government, the group can accomplish more and draw people to the art. Construction of skate parks, donation of skating material and general funding can help elevate the craft to a higher and more beneficial platform. For now Jelimo and her team hold the baton for female skaters in Nairobi and Kenya at large, creating herstory one wheel at a time.