Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) together with Mkenya Daima Initiative on 8th October 2022 participated in the inaugural 21st Century Woman Conference that discussed the theme, 'Women in Governance'.

At the event, hosted and televised live by the Nation Media Group from the Tamarind Tree Hotel in Nairobi, it emerged that women often do not achieve success and purpose because many give up too easily when faced with life challenges.

KEPSA representation at the event was led by the KEPSA Chairperson Ms Flora Mutahi, KEPSA Directors Ms Catherine Musakali and Dr Elizabeth Wala and Mkenya Daima Steering Committee members Ms Mercy Achola and Ms Sujata Kotamraju.

Prof Julia Ojiambo, who was the keynote speaker, said women should stay encouraged and not lose hope for the future, but in everything seek to go beyond in pursuit of success by the positive difference they can make in the lives of others.

"The time is now. Women must trust that they are powerful enough to achieve the change they want to see. For example, we have to double our efforts in ensuring all girls go to school and ultimately finish their education so as not to miss their future", she said.

The conference aimed to provide a platform for discussion and deliberation on pertinent issues affecting women's empowerment and gender inclusion among other agendas.

"Women must overcome the imposter syndrome to boldly go forth and chase their dreams. We should not be made to feel guilty or not good enough by seeking approval of others before pursuing our goals and which can be one way to unknowingly sabotage oneself", said Ms Mutahi in a panel session.

Other panellists at the event included the Founder of Anchor Relationship Network Ms Jennifer Karina, Managing Director at Madison Investment Ms Rebecca Tiba and Reverend Kathy Kiuna of the Jubilee Christian Church.

In a panel discussion, they all acknowledged the role of mentorship in times of hardship, on work-life balance and in building confidence to counter risk aversion such as in business.

"Sometimes there is no balance meaning one has to decide on what to let go and what to focus on. For this reason, women have to be intentional by investing in a strong value system to provide the stability needed to weather difficult times", said Mutahi.

Speaking on the value of self-awareness, Ms Karina advised women to pursue a work and life integration in order to meet their expectations without the temptation to be superwomen which leads to the work-life balance struggle.

"Whether you are in your 20s, experimenting with career paths, fun and even relationships or navigating the turbulent 30s with demands of a growing family and career or perhaps you are just the fortified woman in her 40s, we have to plan and be intentional in how to navigate life at each stage", said Karina.

Also discussed at the event was the role of men in woman empowerment, barriers to success for women, as well as their financial security and well-being.

"We cannot speak of gender inclusion if we do not believe in the different positive roles men play in our lives because there are a lot of men in our personal and professional spaces who still need the support and help of women to reach their full potential", said Reverend Kiuna.

"Men are our allies in all facets of life, be it at the workspace, where gender balance is important for effectiveness or at home," said Ms Rebecca Tiba who also argued that lack of empowerment of the boychild has groomed a generation of irresponsible men causing most women to struggle with providing for their families by themselves.

Other discussions that arose included, how to take control of the decision-making process, women-led single parent homes, the intersection of religion and culture and how they impact the success of women including social stigma and scrutiny women face in case they happen to go against the grain.

The women were reminded to always pay homage to the great women on whose shoulders the present generation stands.

"We must carry and fully represent this internal strength in how we exercise our influence for change, noting that no woman should rise alone but all must ensure to bring one other woman along too", said Kiuna.

The event concluded that there was still work to be done in breaking down gender biases and social barriers that still deny women the opportunity to reach their full potential. This includes tackling low self-esteem and mental health issues among other social assumptions and beliefs.