DIVAS WE ARE: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY CELEBRATIONS IN KENYA

This year, as we celebrated International Women's Day, I found myself surrounded by an incredible group of women leaders, professionals, and changemakers. We gathered not just to honor the strides we have made, but to face the tough realities that women still encounter. The event, organized by Nation Media Group, featured inspiring speakers leading master classes on women's health, investments, and board strategies. I felt a sense of pride knowing that my institution Mount Kenya University (MKU) was among the sponsors, represented by a dynamic group of women who embodied the MKU spirit with confidence and purpose.

But what truly resonated were the candid and brave conversations that took place. One of the standout sessions was all about women’s health. Health often serves as the quiet backbone of everything we do; our careers, families, leadership roles, and aspirations. Yet, it’s also an area where many women suffer in silence.

During that session, I mustered the courage to ask a question that had been weighing on my heart. I inquired with the doctors on the panel about fibroids, specifically why so many young women even those in their twenties are being diagnosed with them more frequently. My question was deeply personal.

I shared the story of my niece, a vibrant young woman who passed away at just 29 years old. She had been diagnosed with fibroids, but in her case the growths developed outside the uterus, leading to severe complications. Eventually, blood clots formed, and tragically, we lost her.

Speaking those words aloud was not easy. But something remarkable happened in that room.

My story opened the door for other women to speak.

Out of nowhere, a chorus of voices rose up; women sharing their personal journeys with fibroids, the pain they endured, the surgeries they faced, the frustrating delays in getting diagnosed, and the emotional weight that comes with reproductive health issues. Some talked about their sisters, daughters, and friends who were grappling with similar challenges. What started as a simple question quickly blossomed into a rich discussion about awareness, prevention, and the need for early screenings.

The doctors on the panel responded with genuine compassion and a sense of urgency, stressing how crucial it is to have regular checkups, catch issues early, and educate ourselves about reproductive health. Many women in the audience expressed a strong desire to learn more; not just for their own sake, but to make sure that younger women and girls have the information they need right from the start.

That moment reminded me of the power of storytelling. When one woman shares her truth, it opens the door for others to do the same.

Another important topic we tackled that day was the financial empowerment of women. Gaining economic independence is one of the most transformative tools for women. The speakers encouraged us to go beyond just saving money and start building wealth through smart investments, entrepreneurship, and financial education. When women invest, they create security not just for themselves, but for their families and communities as well.

We were also taken through a session on 'navigating board opportunities for women' and the significance of having women on boards and in decision-making roles. Even with the progress we have made globally, women are still underrepresented in boardrooms and leadership positions. Yet, research consistently shows that organizations thrive when their leadership is diverse and inclusive. Women bring unique perspectives shaped by resilience, community insight, soft skills and ethical leadership; qualities that enhance governance and make a real impact.

But perhaps the most heartwarming part of the day was the networking. Women from various industries and backgrounds came together, sharing ideas and uplifting one another. In those conversations, I was reminded that empowerment is rarely a solo journey but collective endevor.

When women gather with purpose, something powerful happens. Knowledge is shared. Pain is acknowledged. Hope is restored. And solutions begin to emerge.

International Women’s Day is not just a day of celebration; it is a reminder of the work still ahead. It is a call to advocate for women’s health, expand women’s economic opportunities, and open more leadership spaces for women.

As Shirley Chisholm once said:

“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

But for that folding chair to truly flourish, women must be healthy, financially empowered, and represented where decisions are made.

And sometimes, all it takes to start that change is one woman finding the courage to ask a question—and many others finding the courage to share their stories.

IWD2026