14 February 2026, Amsterdam – A book launch of Roses Will Rise took place at the KIT Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam. The book tells the inspiring story of Rael Lomoti, founder of the community-based organisation Desert Roses, who established the first girls’ football team in Turkana, Kenya. Through her work, she shows how football can empower girls and young women, build confidence, and drive social change. The book is written by Nicera Kimani and Marc Broere of Vice Versa, with photography by Moses Mbotela.
During the event, a short film about Desert Roses was screened, followed by a panel discussion with Rael Lomoti and Marieke Visser, founder and director of HERA United, the first women’s football club in the Netherlands. The discussion highlighted the power of sport, storytelling, and community-driven initiatives to inspire and connect people — especially in advancing equal rights and opportunities for women worldwide.
Interested in reading the book? To get a copy of the book, click here.
