By Mary Mwendwa
Professional women in leadership from different diverse areas of careers gathered at a Nairobi hotel for three days to learn, connect, inspire and network with other women around the world.
The highly attended meeting which saw over 70 women in attendance organized by Women of substance and Wabcome Ventures Ltd with funding from UN Women came in as a platform to empower women in leadership around the world.
Dr.Florence Wachira , Commissioner, National Gender and Equality Commission urged women during the opening session on how they needed to be strategic in areas of building capacity among themselves .”Building capacity among women ensures they remain relevant and sharp in their careers and vocations and thereby serving the society in an efficient way while furthering their respective interests.” She noted.
Similarly, Beatrice Wababu, CEO Wabcom Ventures viewed such like an event which brings women together provided an opportunity to share experiences , learn from one another and and progress debates in a positive and cooperative manner.”Iam very keen on this conference because it will offer a rare opportunity to reflect upon our achievements , network , inspire and have a discourse of the important contributions women have made, and we continue to make towards sustainable leadership.”She observed.
Beatrice further encouraged women to understand how leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure the impact lasts in their absence.”If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more , do more and become more, you are a leader.”
The Conference themed ‘empowering women for strategic leadership in Africa’ which also had men in attendance brought in many speakers who observed that women voices continue to hit huddles despite the strides made fairly in politics, business and corporate life.
One thrilling speech was that of Rita Kavashe, Managing Director, General Motors East Africa,who talked of her life experience as a leader in the motor industry and how she has managed to excel in leadership despite some challenges as a woman leader.”When women sit in places of influence their presence and value is felt.I sit in several boards and as a CEO in motor industry i have tried towards working out the environment for my employees to be the best .I have had my own cup of challenges like bias but such things have made me a better leader and above all humility has kept me going.”She concluded.
Catherine Musakali , Founder , The Women on Board Network,encouraged women ; “As women sometimes we are our own enemies, we don’t see opportunities when they show up.Board setups have very few women and we need women on these tables.It is important as women we see opportunities when they come, our CVs are in a mess. Things like ‘I helped develop’ , should point out to a specific task, we need to re -look at our CVs and market ourselves as being available to sit on a boards.You need to develop an attitude to ask sit on a board.Get a sponsor who can help you to sit on boards and help bring you in networks.”
“Most important thing is authenticity, be yourself in everything you do to move forward, don’t ever ape any one, and also understand your self awareness , these are critical for women as you position yourselves in leadership positions.”
Benson Mutoko, a french Lecturer and motivational speaker realized the critical role women play in leadership positions right away from family level.”Women have demonstrated their leaderships skills even at family level, sadly some of them dont realize this and never aspire for other leadership positions locking them out of many positions they would use to influence change even at policy level.”
Other speakers included Dr Elizabeth Wala CEO Kenya Medical Association, Dr Jacqueline Kitulu Chairperson Kenya Medical Association and Sarah Richson , Global HR Director Techno Brain were among top corporate leaders who spoke at the three day conference .
