By Wambui Kabaka
- The event inspired women to take charge of their financial destinies by highlighting the link between financial awareness and total empowerment.
- The discussions focused on breaking down the social and professional barriers impeding women’s advancement.
- The event took a holistic approach to women’s empowerment by exploring their personal and professional development.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling event aimed at offering valuable insights to women with a focus on women’s empowerment.
Nancy Kwamboka (Nana Ediva), Founder, Breaking the Glass Ceiling and the event convener and host and Winnie Nyaundi organized the extraordinary event, which took place in Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi on November 25, 2023.
Powerful women, each a trailblazer in her own right, came together to share their experiences and perspectives.
During the event’s first panel discussion, Ms. Kwamboka urged the participants to focus on the importance of women becoming the best versions of themselves by breaking down barriers bedeviling them.
The panelists were Edinah Kangwana MBS, MHC., a transformational leader, leadership and governance expert and CEO of Arise Circle KE; Lulu Hassan, an entrepreneur and news anchor at Citizen TV; Dee Presenter 001, Media Personality and Terry Odeny, Co-founder and CEO of Olympia Gold Real Estate.
The panelists narrated their personal adventures and life lessons that have brought them to their current positions.
Breaking barriers
“Even though I went through hardships to get my academic papers, it was worth it because I was able to obtain my first job at Barclays Bank, which is now Absa Bank.
I worked in the banking systems for a decade before moving on to county leadership and governance, which was a huge game-changer because it took me out of a place where things operated in a structural way and into one where there were no structural operations,” said Ms. Kangwana.
She urged the participants to put their hands up and look for growth opportunities, network, focus on their mental health, and work on their personal growth. Those potent instruments can lead to prosperity and help create a community where women are not valued.
“As a woman, you should strengthen your financial muscles and locate sponsors, mentors, and career coaches to help you along the way. Growing up in a community where women were not allowed to hold money, I knew I had to change my story and spread a different narrative,” she noted.
Ms. Odeny is regarded as a thought leader and authority in the Kenyan real estate agency business due to her vast experience in the field.
She has experience working with global firms, UN officials, diplomats, embassies, and dynamic developers in addition to HNW clients.
“I developed a passion for real estate because my dad worked in construction. You must navigate through a world that is driven by men, and the way you do that is by assuming your power and performing it to the best of your ability.
You can also ask God to send you destiny helpers and discernment, and remember that you cannot compete where you cannot compare,” she highlighted.
She specializes in development conceptualization, sale strategy, design alignment, marketing, sales exit, project offtake, and market research. She has over 12 years of expertise in the real estate industry.
“My journey began when I went to work as a receptionist after finishing high school. Someone there complimented my voice and said I could read news, so I went for my first voice test at Radio Salaam, where there was a vacancy and I later performed a jingle.
From there, doors opened, and I am now a news anchor and the Founder of Jiffy Pictures, a production house. Working in a male-dominated environment has not been easy.
My advice would be that you overcome self-doubt and make sure you hire competent managers and employees when starting your own business,” noted Lulu Hassan.
Dee Presenter 001, a radio presenter and TV host, telling of how she started off, said, “As a woman, many times when you are too bold, they say you are rude.”
She revealed that her experiences working in a male-dominated workplace have not been easy, adding that despite the many challenges, “determination helps us manage.”
Ms. Odeny added, “When it comes to real estate investing, loans aren’t bad and having a property charged by the bank isn’t bad. Always find the right lawyer in the legal field who is resourceful and thorough, and make sure to use the right agent who is a professional in what they do.”
Beyond having a job, however, continuous upskilling is paramount to staying relevant.
“Acquire the skills necessary to thrive in your current environment and maintain your competitiveness despite everyday life. You can also benefit financially from this because it gives you initiative,” Ms. Kangwana added.
Entrepreneurship, financial literacy
The second panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Kwamboka, focused on entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
The panelists were Linet Momanyi, Manager KCB Kimathi Street Branch; Beth Mumo, Financial Advisor at Standard Investment Bank; Lillian Nyaati, Entrepreneur, Supplies and Tendering; Janet Machuka, Digital Marketing Consultant and Founder of Sparks Corporates; and Bina Maseno, Executive Director Badili Africa and 2022 Kenya’s Miss President 1st Runners up.
With a focus on the value of diversifying investments and a warning against relying too much on any one source—including the possible benefits of loans and that they are the cheapest loan facility to get when you have a proper credit score—Ms. Kwamboka and Ms. Mumo illuminated the significance of investment banking.
”Invest money and it will work for you, and don’t put your eggs in one basket,” Beth noted.
Ms. Maseno detailed the benefits of chamas (unofficial savings groups) and how they help women, while Ms. Nyaati covered methods of accessing tenders and provided a list of requirements for submitting a successful tender.
Janet Machuka delved into digital marketing complexities, providing guidance on maximizing one’s potential for increased effect and reach.
Personal and Career Growth
June Chepkemei, the Keynote Speaker and Managing Director of Keninvest, captivated the audience with the inspiring narrative of her life journey.
From hustling to pay for her education to her days as a journalist, she shared a compelling story of resilience.
Ms. Chepkemei detailed her transition from the newsroom to the corporate world, shedding light on the challenges she faced and the invaluable lessons life bestowed upon her.
Speaking with vibrancy and authenticity, she breathed life into the crowd, underscoring her achievements and leaving an indelible impact on all who had the privilege of listening.
”Commercialize your Passion,” she advised the participants.
Gloria Orwoba, a nominated Senator and the driving force behind the “One Pad for Christmas” campaign, shared not only her dedication to providing sanitary pads for less fortunate girls but also imparted words of wisdom and profound insights to the women in attendance.
She left an enduring impression with a powerful quote: “Dare to be shameless,” urging everyone to embrace boldness and fearlessness in pursuing their aspirations.
The event’s climax captured the spirit of a day well spent pursuing women’s empowerment as the curtains came down on this amazing journey.
As networking sessions took place, the room reverberated with the sounds of recently formed friendships and aspirations that united disparate women by a shared drive and fortitude.
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The influence of the event was feelable, as participants left with full hearts and invaluable insights from stimulating conversations and powerful talks.