NAIROBI 6TH MARCH, 2025: First Lady Rachel Ruto yesterday graced the Kenya School of Government’s Women Conference as part of the 2025 International Women’s Week celebrations. The three-day conference, themed Bridging Generations: Advancing Gender Equality, Harnessing Innovation, is a significant precursor to the International Women’s Day, which will be marked on March 8th in Homa Bay. Held at the Kenya School of Government, Lower Kabete, the event features exhibitions, plenary discussions, and breakout sessions aimed at addressing critical gender issues.
In her keynote address, First Lady Rachel Ruto underscored the achievements made in advancing women’s rights and opportunities over the years while also acknowledging the persistent challenges that women continue to face globally. “While women have achieved much over the years, they still encounter various challenges that vary according to culture, economic, and social contexts. This conference is an opportunity to address gaps in our pursuit of gender equity,” she stated.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the First Lady’s Young Women Leaders Capacity Building Fellowship Program, an initiative designed to nurture and empower aspiring female leaders across various sectors. The program aims to bridge gender gaps in leadership and governance, offering mentorship, training, and networking opportunities for women seeking to take on influential roles in society.
The breakout sessions at the conference facilitated in-depth discussions on various pressing issues affecting women, including gender-based violence, policy formulation, and effective practices to foster gender equality. Experts and stakeholders engaged in robust dialogues exploring ways to tackle economic disparities by enhancing women’s economic empowerment. Another key area of focus was advancing women’s participation in leadership and governance, with speakers emphasizing the need for strategic policies and structural reforms that promote inclusivity.
The conference attracted distinguished speakers who brought invaluable insights into the discussions. Among them were Prof. Nura Mohammed, Director General of the Kenya School of Government; Deputy Country Representative for UN Women, Dan Bazira, Secretary Gender, Dr. Josephine Obonyo representing the PS State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action and Lynette Otwori, Acting Director of the MKI. Their contributions reinforced the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing gender-related challenges and promoting sustainable solutions.
As the conference continues, participants remain committed to fostering meaningful conversations and actionable strategies that will propel women’s empowerment forward. The discussions held and initiatives launched at this platform are expected to create a ripple effect in advocating for gender equality, innovation, and leadership advancement among women across the nation.
With the upcoming International Women’s Day celebrations in Homa Bay, the momentum set by this conference is poised to inspire more impactful engagements in the pursuit of gender equity and women’s empowerment in Kenya and beyond.
…ENDS…