On March 7, 2025, the Hyatt Regency in Nairobi buzzed with energy as over 200 women healthcare leaders convened for a landmark International Women’s Day (IWD) conference. Hosted by Kenya Healthcare Federation (KHF) and the Strathmore University Business School (SBS), the event—themed “Accelerating Action: Collaborative Pathways for Inclusive Leadership”—sparked urgent dialogue on dismantling systemic barriers and amplifying women’s leadership in healthcare.

Igniting the Flame: Opening Remarks

Dr. Tim Theuri, CEO of KHF, opened with a rallying cry for equity: “Create pockets of stillness to protect yourselves as you climb.” He stressed the need for policies supporting mentorship, flexibility, and financial empowerment to combat burnout and close gender gaps. “Put more money in the hands of women—it’s how we drive transformative growth,” he asserted.

Dr. Grace Wanjiru Kamengere, Director of Strathmore University Medical Centre, invoked the Parable of the Talents, challenging attendees: “What are you doing with your leadership gifts? Bridge knowledge gaps, share skills, and advocate boldly.”

Confronting Barriers: Research & Reality

Dr. Angela Ndunge, Principal Investigator at SBS, unveiled findings from the Women in Health Leadership Project:

• 76% of feedback targets women’s personalities, not expertise.

• “Boys’ Club” cultures persist, sidelining women’s voices in private healthcare.

• Recommendations: Structured mentorship, leadership networks, and capacity-building programs to shatter glass ceilings.

“Progress demands action, not just awareness,” Dr. Ndunge urged, kicking off a Kahoot challenge that awarded winners discounts to SBS leadership programs.

Legacy & Liberation: Honoring History

Dr. Kanyenje Gakombe, KHF Chairman, rooted IWD in Kenya’s struggle for justice: “When colonial authorities arrested Harry Thuku in 1922, Mary Nyanjiru stood defiant—proof that women have always led liberation.” He called for honoring trailblazers by dismantling modern inequities.

Keynote Truth Bombs: Networks > Know-How

Njeri Njomo, CEO of Jubilee Health Insurance, delivered a viral-worthy keynote:

• “Your network is your net worth. Swap low-impact connections for sponsors who act.”

• “Jobs are posted, opportunities are whispered. Audit your circle—who pulls you forward?”

• “Men won’t advocate unless you ask. Speak your name in rooms you’re not in.”

Breakout Sessions: Digitization & Confidence

Digitizing Equity (moderated by Jean Kyula, Helium Kenya):

• AI diagnostics and decentralized care models can bridge access gaps for marginalized women.

• Panelists like Dr. Maureen Wairimu Waithaka emphasized tech’s role in countering imposter syndrome.

Breaking Confidence Barriers (moderated by Dr. Noelle Orata):

• Rina Hicks and Tina Masai tackled self-doubt: “Leadership isn’t about fitting into male spaces—create your own.”

Panel Power: Inclusive Leadership in Action

A discussion led by Charity Kamau (KHF) featured Dr. Joan Osoro-Mbui (MP Shah Hospital) and Roselyn Mungai (Nakuru County), who shared case studies on fostering gender-inclusive workplaces. “Sponsorship—not just mentorship—is key,” stressed Dr. Anne Musuva.

The Call to Action: Redesign the Structure

The conference closed with a charge:

• Audit organizational cultures perpetuating stereotypes (even attire biases!).

• Invest in cross-generational networks and digital visibility.

• “Legacy isn’t built alone. Lift others as you rise.”

Final Punchline: #NetworksOverKnowHow

As the echoes of IWD 2025 linger, the question remains: What will YOU do to accelerate equity?
 #ACCELERATEACTION #WIHL #IWD2025NAIROBI

Legacy isn’t built alone. Network like your career depends on it—because it does.
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