Celebrating women, inspiring girls

Thursday was International Women’s Day and the Standard Group, in partnership with Hotel InterContinental Nairobi, hosted a dinner party that saw the convergence of many great women and men of this country. NJOKI CHEGE was there

This year’s theme for the International Women’s Day was ‘Connecting girls, Inspiring futures’ and Thursday’s dinner couldn’t have been more practical. It saw the coming together of younger women and their role models.

Dorcas Muga-Odumbe, Nishma Karia, Zipporah Musau and Njoki Karuoya.

Group Marketing Manager of Radio Africa Group Limited and queen of the airwaves Caroline Mutoko, challenged the crowd that the best way to connect girls and inspire futures was through investing in the future generations.

Offered Caroline: "There are several women who went before us and beat the bush for us. That is why you and I are here. The only way we can inspire the futures of these young girls is through paying it forward. If you do not pay back, we will ask ourselves ten years from now –– where did we go wrong?"

She also challenged the companies represented in the room to involve more women in decision-making positions because while women make up majority of the workforce, they still remain a minority at the top.

Leadership

"We need more women on the board because I assure you that will directly translate to huge profits and even better leadership," said Caroline.

The General Manager and Operations Director (Africa) of InterContinental Nairobi, Karl Hala, urged the guests to embody the theme and spirit of the International Women’s Day in their day to day lives.

"About a 101 years ago, the world celebrated the first International Women’s Day. Issues of gender equality and women’s empowerment were largely radical ideas. However, today, we have seen great milestones in gender equality and women’s empowerment, and that is why we are here to celebrate today," said he.

In the spirit of connecting girls and inspiring futures, Karl talked about Hotel InterContinental’s partnership with Mbagathi Primary School, where young girls have created impressions of their favourite female personalities. The paintings are up for sale and the proceeds go towards the purchase of various facilities in the school.

Inspiring

"Today we are here to connect girls with great women of the present in order to inspire their futures," Karl said.

Rev Linda Ochola-Adolwa of Mavuno Church challenged everyone in the room to rise up and be a role model for the younger generation.

"I challenge you to arise from fear and inaction and be the model to young women and men who direly need mentorship and role models in their lives," Rev Linda said.

Nancy Wettstein, the managing director of Pivot Point Kenya-Hair and Beauty School and Urembo Salon, gave the crowd a few tips on grooming and looking and feeling good.

"While there are no particular standards to determine beauty and handsomeness, I personally believe that the key to looking good solely lies on your ability to invent your own personal style and identity," she said.

The occasion ended on an even higher note as guests danced the night away to authentic Kenyan music led by Kayamba Africa.