INVEST IN WOMEN, ACCELERATE PROGRESS

In the global march towards progress and prosperity, one principle that has proven both timeless and universally true is, that investing in women isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do. From boosting economic growth to fostering sustainable development and innovation, the empowerment of women and girls stands not just as a moral imperative but as a catalyst for global advancement.

While there have been significant strides made in empowering women in our country such as having more women in leadership positions, to supporting women financially through grants offered by The National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) , we are still a long way from gender equality and fully empowering the Kenyan woman.

In line with this year’s theme for International Women’s Day “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress”, Let us delve into the multifaceted benefits of investing in women and outline actionable strategies for Investing in women in our society.

1. Economic empowerment ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???

Economic empowerment of women transcends the direct benefits of increased income for women themselves. It has a multiplier effect that stimulates growth, reduces poverty, and sets the stage for a more equitable distribution of resources. When women participate equally in the labour force, economies grow faster. Increasing disposable income through economic empowerment programs such as the grants that we offer affirmative action groups at NGAAF has helped women establish themselves through businesses and other income-generating channels.

2. Unlocking potential through education

Education plays a pivotal role in empowering women and girls, enabling them to access better job opportunities, acquire essential life skills, and participate more fully in the decision-making processes within their communities. Therefore, investing in girls’ education is not just about fulfilling their right to know but about unleashing a powerhouse of societal transformation.

3. Health and well-being of women

Investing in women’s health is crucial for their empowerment and well-being, as well as for the health of societies at large. Improved access to healthcare services, including reproductive health care, not only supports women’s right to make informed choices about their bodies but also contributes to reduced child mortality rates and healthier populations. Furthermore, when women are healthy, they can participate more fully in the economy, enhancing productivity and progress.

4. Leadership and Political Participation: Shaping the Future

The underrepresentation of women in political and leadership roles undermines the potential for progress. Diverse leadership leads to more innovative and comprehensive decision-making processes. By promoting women’s participation in politics and decision-making roles, societies can harness a wide range of perspectives and solutions to address various challenges. Women leaders often advocate for policies that benefit not only women but also children and families, contributing to more inclusive and sustainable development outcomes.

Actionable Strategies for Investing in Women

1. Promote Gender-Equal Policies - Governments and organizations must implement policies that promote gender equality, from equal pay for equal work to parental leave and anti-discrimination measures.

2. Support Women Entrepreneurs -Providing access to finance, training, and networks for women entrepreneurs can unlock economic opportunities and drive innovation. National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) is actively involved in supporting affirmative action groups which include women and women groups by offering them grants to support their businesses.

3. Invest in Education and Healthcare -Prioritizing investment in girls’ education and women’s healthcare is fundamental for enabling women to participate fully in society.

4. Foster Women’s Leadership - Encouraging and supporting women to take on leadership roles in all sectors of society is crucial for driving progress.

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In Kenya, marginal steps have been made in terms of empowering women and driving inclusivity, especially in leadership such as; Affirmative action seats where we have 47 women reps, not forgetting The Women Governors Caucus Strategy, dubbed the “G7?Strategy” which is aimed at inspiring more women to vie for top political leadership in the next general election.

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The National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) is also not left behind in investing in women, among the key strides we are making to ensure we are investing in women and empowering women include;

• Increasing disposable income through economic empowerment programs such as the grants that we offer affirmative action groups, women included.
• Increasing access to education and skills by offering bursaries for TVETS?? and bursaries for vulnerable children.
• We are also enhancing access to services for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) survivors by offering shelters, offering legal and psychological support as well as having reporting centres at police stations for SGBV cases.

I had an opportunity to discuss the various ways in which we can invest in women to accelerate progress, on “The Breakfast Club” on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) English service last week, catch the whole conversation through the link below.

https://www.kbc.co.ke/the-big-conversation-viridiana-wasike-says-ngaaf-is-tech-responsive/

Investing in women is not merely a question of fairness or equality; it is a prerequisite for building resilient, prosperous societies. As the evidence mounts, it becomes increasingly clear that when women thrive, communities, economies, and nations thrive alongside them. The journey towards gender equality and the full empowerment of women demands persistence, commitment, and collaborative effort across all sectors of society. By investing in women, we redefine what is possible for future generations.