Society would gain immensely if it invests more in women

Kakamega First Lady Prof Janet Kasili buys items from West Pokot Culture 024 women group during celebrations to mark International Women's Day at Bukhungu stadium, on March 8, 2026. [Benjamin Sakwa, Standard]

There is a photo that has circulated widely online for some time now. It shows a man and a woman preparing to start a race. The man stands ready, leaning forward with confidence, almost impatient to take off. The woman, on the other hand, looks anxious but determined. On her back is a baby. At her side are cooking pans. In front of her lies a heap of laundry she must somehow clear. For generations, women have been expected to run the race of life while carrying far more than their share of the load.