Women Empowerment Is More Than Just Titles And Positions...

As I reflect on my journey, I am filled with gratitude and hope for the path I have walked and the one I continue to forge for those who will come after me. My mission has always been to create a legacy of empowerment, where every woman and girl knows her worth, understands her potential, and has the courage to chase after her dreams, regardless of the circumstances she was born into.

Born in Mombasa, a coastal town in Kenya, I grew up in a society where the boundaries for women were often drawn by tradition. From a young age, I was determined to challenge those limits. I remember the days when girls were expected to fit into certain molds, but something deep inside me resisted that notion. I dreamed bigger, even when society told me otherwise.

My journey took me to spaces I never imagined. Serving as Kenya’s youngest Chief Administrative Secretary in the Ministry of ICT, Innovation, and Youth Affairs was not just a personal achievement but a testament to what women can achieve when given the opportunity. It was during my tenure that I spearheaded campaigns like?#KenyaNiMimi, which engaged young women and youth in meaningful conversations about leadership and societal change. But one initiative that remains particularly close to my heart is?Ndoto Halisi?(Dreams Are Valid). This campaign was designed to uplift marginalized girls, helping them invest in their education, and most importantly, believe that their voices matter. Seeing these young women rise, break barriers, and take control of their futures has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

Empowerment, however, is not just about what we achieve for ourselves; it’s about the impact we have on others. My book,?Of Dreams and Whatever, captures this essence. It’s a story of resilience, hope, and the belief that even in the face of adversity, we can rise. Writing this book allowed me to share parts of my personal journey that I hadn’t always been open about. From the challenges of breaking stereotypes to overcoming financial struggles, the book offers a message of encouragement to women and girls: that no dream is too big, and no challenge too great.

One of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced, like many women in leadership, was proving that I belonged in spaces where young women from marginalized communities were often underrepresented. But every time I faced those obstacles, I remembered the girls and women looking up to me. I reminded myself that my presence in these spaces was not just for me—it was for them. If I could stand tall, so could they.

I believe in the power of representation. When girls see women like themselves succeeding in fields where they were once told they didn’t belong, something shifts. A door is opened. This is why I am passionate about ensuring that the next generation of women knows they can be anything they want to be.

But empowerment is not just about titles and positions; it is about mental and emotional wellbeing. As a mental health advocate, I often speak about the importance of creating safe spaces for conversations around mental health, particularly in African societies where such topics have historically been taboo. Empowerment cannot be achieved if our minds are burdened, which is why I emphasize the need for resources and support systems that allow young people, especially women, to thrive emotionally as well as professionally.

As I look to the future, I remain committed to ensuring that the work I’ve started continues to inspire others. The baton will one day be passed to the next generation of young women leaders, innovators, and dreamers. I hope that through my efforts, I have opened doors and set a pace that encourages them to dream bigger, push harder, and never settle for less than they deserve.

To every young woman reading this: Know that your dreams are valid. Your voice matters. And together, we will continue to rise, to break barriers, and to build a world where every girl knows that she can—and will—succeed.