Learn, speak up,react

These are the sentiments that were echoed at the International Women’s Day webinar, ‘When Women Lead’ that was organized by Coca-cola on Tuesday, March 16, 2021.

The webinar that was moderated by Media personality, Victoria Rubadiri was themed; ‘Emerging stronger for an inclusive world’ brought together female leaders from government, private sector and academia to deliberate on the challenges that women face in the workplace, business, and the different sectors of the economy.

“The Global pandemic brought a new shift in the workplace. Women have double shifts; taking care of the children at home and attending to work. This has always been the case but it was heightened by the pandemic. The workplace that will be flexible and empathic, focusing on the outcome instead of the 8-5 sitting behind a computer is the one that will cut it,” emphasized Debra Mallow, Vice President, East and Central Africa, Coca Cola Company while presenting in the first segment.  

She said women should be more intentional in taking calculated risks, challenge the status quo in the workplace, challenge biases and stereotypes by replacing them with honest and transparent conversations that hold women back, ‘Prepare to react to inappropriate comments,’ Mallowah urged.

‘When women are given leadership positions, they exceed expectations, because they are passionate. This is what we have witnessed at the University of Nairobi,” echoed Dr. Vijoo Rattansi, Chancellor, University of Nairobi citing the results of giving women leadership positions.

She also observed that more than 50% of students who join the universities are women but somehow this does not reflect in the work space. She noted the efforts made by Rattansi trust that provides sponsorships for women in STEM courses.

Mr. Jeremy Awori, CEO ABSA, also contributed to the discussion by noting that he has led the difficult conversations of including women in leadership positions in his organization, having platforms that empower women like Kenya Women’s Network Forum.

On her part, Ikal Angelei, Kenyan politician and environmentalist noted that there has to be political goodwill even before the issue on gender inclusion is addressed. Companies and government need to look at these policies. She opined, ‘Women need to be given tools and access to platforms that can make their work easier. Most women farmers don’t even own the land they farm. Most policies are made in Nairobi, Capital city and urban area without consideration of how women in a remote area will benefit from this policy or how it will be implemented in the area.’

Commissioner Njoki Kahiga, Chairperson of Women Enterprise Fund mentioned the support that women have been given socially and economically. A credit facility that does not attract interest, Capacity building on financial literacy and empowerment on their capability and contribution in society.

Finally, Prof. Margaret Kobia presented on the duties of the government and achievements of her Ministry; Ministry of Public Service and Gender. The Ministry has been coordinating and reporting on the compliance of the policies formed and their implementation.

Prof. Kobia noted that work-life balance will continue to be a challenge, women need to manage societal expectations and they must be prepared to face discrimination. However, she encouraged women to continue working on their legacy, terming it as their success.