Calister Bonareri
Nairobi County, Kenya: Women from different walks of life gathered at the “Femme Sensations” event, a unique celebration of the sensory experience, to reflect on their roles in society, particularly how they balance the demands of motherhood and career, while still staying in touch with their femininity.
The event, hosted by Rehema founder Rehema Zahia Tales at Kivulini Eco Park Karen focused on creating a rich, sensory experience through activities that engaged all five senses—sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell—while offering a platform to discuss the challenges women face in their professional and personal lives.
As attendees explored the lush floral arrangements, delicate fragrances wafted through the air, triggering memories of simpler, more carefree times. For the women who were interested in starting a floral business, a representative from Blooming Flowers Kenya took them through a session on how to do floral arrangements. But the conversations revealed a more complex reality. Many women shared how balancing motherhood and career often feels overwhelming, a sentiment echoed by several participants. “Sometimes it feels like you’re constantly pulled in different directions,” said one mother. “The demands at home, combined with work, make it hard to take a breath and enjoy the moment.”
At a wine-tasting session, the sharp aromas and nuanced flavors offered a temporary escape, but the deeper discussion remained on how women can calm themselves when anxiety sets in. One of the speakers Palak Bhatt, a mindfulness coach, emphasized the importance of mindfulness and sensory grounding—using simple techniques like focusing on smell, touch, and sound to center oneself in moments of stress. For example, one mother said that taking brief moments during the day to stop and savor a smell or feel a texture, helps manage anxiety brought on by juggling too many roles.
Participants also discussed the critical issue of women supporting each other, rather than competing in the marketplace. The event’s body butter-making activity illustrated this theme well, as groups of women gathered to create rich, soothing creams from scratch. The collaborative nature of the exercise guided by Bibiana Mwangi founder of Terra Afric Body butters, was a metaphor for how women can thrive through cooperation rather than competition.
Many shared personal stories of how competition, especially in male-dominated industries, often stems from societal pressures to “have it all” and how building supportive networks could alleviate some of this stress. “ Be unapologetically you. Don’t be afraid to speak up in your workplace.” Said Sonam a former marketing executive who is now thriving as an influencer empowering Kenyan brands and young women.
The visual beauty of the event, from the carefully arranged floral displays to the elegantly presented sushi and cakes, symbolized the importance of finding time for creativity and rejuvenation. “These sensory experiences,” Kate an attendee said, “can serve as reminders to reenergize ourselves while managing the weight of household responsibilities and professional duties.”
Joey, one of the speakers highlighted that women often prioritize everything but themselves, leading to burnout. “Taking care of your home and career is important, but so is taking care of yourself. I don’t have a balance yet but I take my time very seriously, I own two beauty businesses and am also a mom of 3 kids below the age of 6, ” she said. “Attending events like this where women share their experiences and having a fitness routine has been helpful in keeping me sane.”
Another key topic raised was the experience of being stuck in a job one does not enjoy and how to transition into something more fulfilling. This resonated with many participants, especially those who felt their careers did not align with their passions. Much like tasting a variety of cakes and sushi at the event, where each flavor offered a new experience, attendees were reminded that life and careers are meant to be explored. Several women shared personal experiences of leaving unfulfilling jobs, driven by the desire to do what they love, whether starting a new business or pursuing creative endeavors.
The event was a reminder that women’s sensory experiences—whether through sight, sound, taste, touch, or smell—are not just about pleasure but also about reconnecting with oneself. With the pressures of modern life and societal expectations, these moments of reconnection can serve as a foundation for empowerment. However, as the discussions showed, the challenges women face remain significant, especially when it comes to balancing family and work, overcoming anxiety, and fostering a culture of mutual support.
“Femme Sensations” was not just about the products and services on display, but about creating a space for women to reflect on how to better care for themselves and each other, ensuring that the sensory experiences of life are savored, not drowned out by the weight of responsibility.
“The future is Female,” said Rehema, “ I believe that women need platforms where they can get in touch with their feminine side while also being empowered to take on bigger challenges in the social and economic environment. It’s crucial to keep having conversations about how we can balance both our personal and professional lives without feeling guilty and mentally exhausted.”
According to The Kenya Mental Health Policy (2015-2030), “Mental health is a key determinant of overall health and socio-economic development. It influences individual and community outcomes such as healthier lifestyles, better physical health, improved recovery from illness, fewer limitations in daily living, higher education attainment, greater productivity, employment and earnings, better relationships with adults and with children, more social cohesion and engagement and improved quality of life.”
