Calls for leadership diversity and inclusion as Women on Boards holds annual fete

At the third annual event, organisations supporting female leadership and men championing women’s agenda were also recognized.

The gala night saw Anette Kimitei honoured as the 2023 Woman on Board, Njeri Kabiru as the Rising Star, and Yasmin Mohammed feted for her outstanding service in Empowering Grassroots Women.

The East Africa Breweries Limited (EABL), which was hailed for its maternal welfare programmes won the Organisation of the Year award.

In addition, Wambui Mbesa earned a recognition in the Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) category, as Dr Stanely Kamau was feted as the Male Champion of Women’s Agenda.

Kenya Keys, an organization that supports students in rural Kenya realize their potential was also honoured with the Organisation Empowering Grassroots Woman award.

Speaking during the award ceremony, WOBN founder Ms Catherine Musakali called for diversity and inclusion in leadership positions both in government and the private sector.

“Not only is gender diversity and inclusion important for corporate organisations, but also for our country,” Ms Musakali said.

Mercy Wanjau, Secretary to the Cabinet, recognized the strides made in corporate leadership and the impact that women have had in shaping an inclusive and dynamic environments in government and the private sector.

“The women we honour tonight stand as great exemplars of resilience, intelligence and leadership. Their commitment to breaking barriers has not only shaped the way for others, but also enriched the fabric of our corporate and government community,” said MS Wanjau.

President William Ruto’s advisor on Women’s Rights, Harriet Chigai, expressed her confidence in the posibility of achieving gender diversity in Kenya.

Chigai revealed government’s plan to have a gender parity accelerator programme supported by the World Economic Forum.

“For the public and private sector to be able to reduce the gender gap, we have to work together,” she stated, calling on women to familiarize themselves with government’s plans as enshrined in the Women’s Charter.

According to Ms Musakali, WOBN has placed more than 165 women on boards in Kenya and beyond since the programme’s inception in 2013.

“For Women sitting on boards, we provide a networking platform where they can network, challenge each other and support each other. We have a number of initiatives that helps them in their board leadership journey,” Ms Musakali said.  

Apart from the mentorship, the organization also holds board talks and provides capacity building on diverse topics related to leadership and board operations.

It has trained over 800 women to take up leadership roles.