To mark International Women’s Day, NMG hosted a breakfast forum at The Emory Hotel to celebrate the women in the organization, and host a candid conversation based on the theme of the year, Balance for Better.

During the breakfast meeting, women who have risen through the ranks to top management positions – including Daily Nation Executive Editor Pamella Sittoni, Saturday Nation Editor Wayua Muli and Kisumu and Nakuru regional editors Caroline Wafula and Stella Cherono, and others, were recognized, with NMG GCEO, Mr Stephem Gitagama, attributing the promotions to merit, and not gender.

The breakfast kicked off with remarks from the CEO, Emory Hotel, Mrs Lizzie Wanyoike, who was the EY 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year, followed by Mr. Stephen Gitagama. The latter outlined the efforts the organization has made towards enhancing gender balance at NMG, and the management’s commitment towards a more inclusive organization, by first increasing the ratio of female employees from the current 29 %to 35% by 2020.

Speaking at the event, Trends and Insights for Africa Research founder, Maggie Ireri, shed light on the disparity that exists between the number of women in senior management roles and the pay they get compared to their male counterparts. The global survey showed that only 27% of women hold top jobs in the media with the statistics being worse in Kenya.

This session was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Pamella Sittoni, Executive Editor, Daily Nation. The panel,  comprising of Lydiah Macharia, Director, Employee Benefits, Minet Kenya,  Paul Kasimu, Safaricom Limited, Chief Human Resource Officer, Nancy Karigithu, Permanent Secretary, State Department for Maritime and Shipping Affairs and Jane Muiruri, Nation Media Group, Senior HR Manager, discussed the meaning of balance in the workforce, the role of men in enhancing gender parity, workplace gender policies and various other topics.