• Maina said women should have mentors and coaches who can hold their hands.
• She emphasised women should be able to communicate confidently and effectively.
Image: NANCY AGUTU
If they do not give you a seat at the table, go and bring yours and sit on that table, Former Industrialisation CS Betty Maina has said.
Speaking during International Women’s Day on Friday, Maina said women should fight for their space and not wait to be offered a seat.
The United Nations has designated the year 2024's theme as 'Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress' with a focus on addressing economic disempowerment, while the campaign theme for this year is 'Inspire Inclusion.
“You should not grab an opportunity at the table in a cantankerous way because you can be disruptive but if you see a panel where we only have men only, reach out to the organiser and say I can speak,” Maina said.
“Be assertive, Stand out, and speak out. Attend conferences and workshops to connect with people in the same field. It is important to cultivate relationships.”
Maina who was addressing a group of over 60 women in Karen, said building strong professional networks is a step forward towards empowering the girl child.
“We are terrible at selling ourselves, we sit and wait for our team leaders to see our capabilities. But we need to speak up and communicate. When deserving, talk about your performance during appraisals,” she said.
Image: NANCY AGUTU
She said women should have mentors and coaches who can hold their hands.
“Seek mentors who can give advice and achieve work-life balance. Take leadership roles. Volunteer for these opportunities to demonstrate leadership skills within the organisation and community,” She said.
But she said that should also be done from a point of knowledge.
“Stay informed and educated. There is no shortcut. If you are uninformed you will make terrible decisions as a leader. But reading will enhance your knowledge and improve your expertise,” she said.
Maina said women should be able to communicate confidently and effectively.
“Articulate ideas and contribute in meetings. Especially the oral meetings. Unfortunately, when you come to sessions, people do not communicate effectively. Develop strong communication skills and practice assertiveness to ensure your voice is heard,” she said.
The former CS said women should lead by example and support other women as well.
“Share your knowledge, mentorship and resources. Don’t let someone blander. You have been there before. Do not let someone walk the same path,” she said.
“It is terrible if we do not uplift others. Encourage open discussions. Women must grab opportunities for inclusion and it is essential to be intentional about yourself.”
The event was organised by WWF in partnership with DTB bank and was held in Karen, Nairobi.
The Finance and strategy director of DTB Alkarim Jiwa took five minutes to wish all the women in his life a happy women's day.
“I pay tribute to all the women, you should feel empowered because you have empowered the men. Please do not forget that you have provided resilience to empower the other gender. Let's inspire inclusion and a brighter future,” he said.
Image: NANCY AGUTU
Jiwa paid tribute to his wife, children and household of 20 years.
“I have to pay tribute to my boss and to the incredible women and also six people who report in my office… Thank you for being also my mentors,” he said.
“I am surrounded by women in my house. They are 4.. two daughters, a wife and mother in law..And our house-help for 20 years for naturing me, being so patient with me and making me who I am today.”
African Wildlife Foundation County Director Nancy Githaiga said women should feel empowered and encouraged to speak up.
“You must tell your story and not let others tell. Your story Is different from what we know,” she said.
"If you do not tell it, then they shall have a filed day and tell it. We must encourage ourselves to take a different path. People do not have to go in the same paths.. "