As we entered the gates of Muthaiga Golf Course for the International Women’s Day gala, a sense of purpose and optimism hung in the air. This year, the event, organised by Nation Media Group, offered not just a chance for celebration but also a moment for deep reflection on the progress of women’s rights over the past 30 years.

It was impossible to ignore the weight of history that the venue represented. Once a bastion of white male privilege, the Muthaiga Golf Course now stood as a symbol of transformation and inclusion. The historic course, long considered a space for elite men, was hosting an event that acknowledged the powerful strides women have made in Kenya and beyond.

The gala was held in a massive tent decorated in vibrant purple, the official colour for the evening, creating a striking visual against the calm of the golf course’s rolling greens. Situated beside a pool, it provided an intriguing juxtaposition—while the women in attendance mingled, networked, and celebrated, golfers continued their evening activities on the course.

Banners from companies that had supported the event flapped gently in the breeze, a testament to the growing corporate commitment to advancing gender equality. The purple theme of the tent and decorations served as a reminder of the ongoing fight for women’s empowerment, globally and locally.

Women from all walks of life were present: some in vibrant kitenges and flat shoes, older women who radiated strength and wisdom; others in stiletto heels, their make-up impeccable and epitomising the youthful, polished professional look. The contrast between the outfits was striking—some dressed in bright skirts and tops, others in smart pantsuits or the more casual attire of golfers. It was a gathering of unity amid diversity, all centred on the shared goal of reflecting on the journey towards gender equality and planning for the future.

The evening also served as an important opportunity for education and empowerment. The first session was an enlightening discussion of women’s roles in boardrooms. The conversation focused on the essential commitments that women must make when appointed to boards, particularly corporate boards, and why it is crucial for women to position themselves for these leadership roles.

Rachel Karanu, a client-partner lead, East Africa at Aleph, gave an inspiring talk. She spoke passionately about the importance of women entrepreneurs and how they can communicate their value to gain positions on boards. The central theme was how to elevate one’s board presence using digital platforms—like LinkedIn and TikTok, which are often seen as tools for younger professionals but could be powerful in projecting one’s professional persona. Rachel’s words were a call to action for women to use these platforms to package themselves in a way that reflects their competencies, aspirations, and leadership potential.

As the event progressed, the conversation turned towards the broader context in which these discussions were taking place. Thirty years ago, the Beijing Women’s Conference of 1995 had set the global agenda for women’s rights and gender equality, catalysing progress for women in many parts of the world. Yet, despite the significant advancements, especially in policy and leadership roles, the African woman—particularly in rural and underserved areas—continues to face numerous challenges.

Research conducted over the past few years paints a grim picture of the state of gender equality for the African woman. Despite some progress, barriers to full participation of women in economic, political, and social spheres remain deeply entrenched. Gender-based violence (GBV), economic inequality, and cultural norms that favour male dominance are persistent challenges. This duality—celebration at the highest levels of society while the most marginalised woman bears the heaviest burdens—was a theme that could not be ignored at the gala.

In Kenya, for example, the prevalence of GBV remains a significant concern. According to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2014, nearly 45 per cent of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, with 14 per cent encountering sexual violence. Yet, the survivors of these crimes often face significant barriers to justice, including societal stigma and inadequacies of the judicial system.

Faith Odhiambo, the president of the Law Society of Kenya, spoke passionately about the underreporting of GBV in Kenya, emphasising that women often do not seek help for fear of ostracisation or lack of trust in the legal system.

Economic disempowerment is another key issue the African woman faces. According to the 2020 reports by the World Bank and UN Women, women in Sub-Saharan Africa are disproportionately affected by poverty, have limited access to land and credit, and lack financial independence.

In the workforce, many women remain confined to low-paying, informal sector jobs, with little opportunity for advancement or job security.

Sylvia Mulinge, the CEO of MTN Uganda, highlighted the challenges of breaking into leadership roles in high-skill industries like technology, engineering, and finance.

“Women’s underrepresentation in these sectors means they are often locked out of the higher-paying positions that would enable them to break the cycle of poverty.”

At the same time, cultural norms continue to restrict women’s potential. Millie Odhiambo, the Member of Parliament for Suba North and Minority Whip, spoke about the deeply ingrained stereotypes that still hinder women from fully participating in leadership and political life. She pointed out that many rural women are still expected to marry young, bear children, and take care of the household, often at the expense of their educational and career aspirations.

“Political leadership for women in Kenya is particularly challenging, with societal perceptions that women are not suited for leadership. For instance, the idea of a woman president or female deputy speaker of Parliament remains controversial to some, yet men occupying all these seats seems normal,” she added.

Kenyan women continue to be underrepresented in political and professional spaces even though the two-thirds gender rule, passed in 2010, mandates that no gender should occupy more than two-thirds of elected and appointive seats.

However, there are glimmers of hope. Over the past 30 years, there have been notable strides in women’s political and professional inclusion, and one country that stands out in this regard is Rwanda. Rwanda’s success story in gender equality, particularly in political leadership, is unprecedented.

As of 2023, Rwanda has the highest percentage of women in Parliament worldwide, with women holding 61.3 percent of parliamentary seats, achievements that have made its model a beacon for other African countries, including Kenya, which is making progress, albeit slowly.

During a panel discussion, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua spoke about the ongoing challenges women face in politics and leadership, while expressing her aspirations. She shared her ambition to run for president in 2027, stressing the importance of women assuming leadership positions at the highest levels of government.

“I desire to be president, and I will run,” Martha declared, emphasising that her goal is not just personal, but part of a larger movement towards gender equality in politics.

Despite the challenges, the women gathered at Muthaiga remained resolute in their commitment to driving change.

Take Caroline*, for example, who works at a local telecommunications company and has been advocating greater female representation in the firm’s management. Similarly, there’s Roseline*, who has successfully run her fruit juice company for over a decade, supplying high-end hotels in Nairobi and employing a predominantly female workforce.

As they sat under the grand purple tent, their presence was a reminder that women’s roles in society are vast and diverse. Each woman represented a different story, a different struggle, but all were united in the belief that the future must be one where women no longer face the systemic barriers that have held them back for generations.

Yet, as much as the evening was about celebration, it was also about acknowledgment. The women in that tent were acutely aware of the struggles still facing their sisters at the grassroots. While they sat in the comfort of a historic golf course, engaged in discussions on how to increase women’s representation in boardrooms and leadership, the African woman at the bottom of the socio-economic ladder continues to bear the brunt of poverty, abuse, and neglect.

Thirty years after the Beijing Women’s Conference, African women are still fighting for their place at the table—not just at corporate boardrooms or political forums, but in their homes and communities, where they continue to face violence, economic exclusion, and cultural oppression.

As the discussion turned to action, it was clear that the journey towards gender equality is far from over. The question remained: How can women, even in the most marginalised parts of society, rise above the entrenched systems that continue to limit their potential?

For now, the answer lies in solidarity, education, and continued advocacy. As Sylvia aptly put it in her keynote address, true empowerment for women goes beyond inclusion—it is about owning the table, leading decisions, and ensuring equal opportunities for all.

The event concluded with a resounding call to action, urging women to organise, plan, and activate change together. The future, while challenging, is bright. Women, united in their diversity and strength, are well on their way to reshaping the world in their image. The path to true equality is long, but it is one that women must walk together—unstoppable, unwavering, and determined.

By Pauline Ongaji