More than 300 women converged in Nairobi for a forum aimed at empowering women in leadership. The event, known as the Suhba Series: Becoming Her, brought together women from various sectors, including business, diplomacy, and corporate leadership. The gathering was addressed by Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights Harriette Chiggai, who emphasized the importance of women influencing decisions in their leadership roles.
Chiggai told the gathering that women should not be brought into leadership spaces merely to change the appearance of a room. Instead, they should use their positions to shape decisions and contribute to conversations. She encouraged women to have the confidence to express their opinions and bring their unique perspectives to the table. The event was attended by senior executives, entrepreneurs, diplomats, professionals, and creatives.
The keynote address was delivered by former Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed. She urged women to view personal and professional growth as an ongoing process. Mohamed emphasized that growth is not about arriving at a perfect version of oneself but about having the courage to keep learning and creating possibilities for others. Her address resonated with the attendees, who were seeking connections and inspiration to drive their personal and professional lives.
The event featured several speakers, including Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Africa Leadership and Dialogue Institute President and CEO Julie Gichuru, and Iktifaa Shari'ah-Compliant Investment House CEO Sumayya Hassan. Institute of Human Resource Management Executive Director and Council Secretary Quresha Abdullahi also challenged women to measure their leadership by the opportunities they create for others.
The gathering was founded by communications strategist and entrepreneur Farida Idris and produced by FID & Co. Idris noted that the growth in attendance showed that women were seeking connections that could extend beyond the event itself. The event also featured networking activities, music, beauty experiences, and a high-tea setting, providing a holistic experience for the attendees.
Organisers aim to build the forum into a community where women across generations and industries can mentor one another, develop business opportunities, and create opportunities for others. For Idris, the value of the gathering should be measured by what participants do after leaving the event. The goal is to inspire women to pursue something bigger and create lasting connections.
The second edition of the Suhba Series: Becoming Her had nearly double the attendance of the inaugural edition, which drew 160 women. This growth indicates a growing demand for spaces where women can build relationships and exchange ideas beyond conventional professional networking. The event has become a platform for women to empower and support one another in their personal and professional journeys.
Key points
- Women in leadership should influence decisions rather than simply occupy positions.
- The Suhba Series: Becoming Her aims to create a community for women to mentor one another and develop business opportunities.
- The event has seen significant growth in attendance, indicating a growing demand for women empowerment forums.
