What gender equality means to me

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “Each for Equal”, and it poses the question: how will you help forge a gender equal world? We interviewed six women from different professional backgrounds and age sets about what they want in their personal lives, how their ambitions have changed throughout the years, what they have learnt and how they are supporting other women.

It's OK to not know what you want to do with your life

Patricia Mbatia-Macharia, CEO, Game Changer Marketing

48 years old

I want to make a positive difference to the people in my life. With time, I have learnt that it’s important to know your self-worth and identify with the people who make you a better person.

The relationships you have with parents and siblings are the most important in the world. Have your parents and siblings as involved in your life as possible. For the most part, they’re going to be the only thing that’s consistent and true in your life for many years to come. You don’t see it now, but your relationship with your parents will deepen as life goes by. And then as soon as you have come to the full realisation of how much they mean to you, they will likely pass on. Cherish them while you have them.

Also, take lots of pictures. You will do some really fun things and you'll always wish you had taken a picture if you didn't. Even better, make videos. They will help you experience the pleasure of those moments again and again.

It's OK to not know what you want to do with your life, especially when others seem to be born knowing their calling. You have to realize that everything happens in order and with a purpose. My calling was revealed one step at a time and one job at a time. Everything I have done has led me closer to what I totally love – experiential marketing. And every step added depth and expertise to my true calling.

At Game Changer Marketing, we believe gender quality is a matter of all-round respect for everyone in the workplace, where everyone is given the opportunity to add value, play their part, and be fairly recognised for their role.

Don’t focus on the ‘expiry’ dates society sets for you

Veronica Nyakoboke Nyabuto, Owner and Creator of Verushka Wigs and Verose Wigs

41 years old

In all relationships, I want trust, support, love, respect and, most of all, positive growth. I have grown to value and live in the true meaning of being independent. Being independent means a lot more than making money. It means putting yourself first, being unafraid to choose the selfish option.

I am also a big believer in hard work. The success of my businesses and my personal development stem from hard work and determination, and I now respect the process. One of my favourite quotes is “The success that comes quick is short-lived.” I had a different mindset at 18 years old. I viewed work as a chore. Now, I feel blessed to be able to work.

On matters of love and relationships, I have grown to love and accept myself just as I am. I am not afraid to be alone. I follow the path that makes me happy. At the end of the day, I’m the one who will live with the decisions I make. Societal pressure should not bully you to conform. Don’t rush. Life is not a race or competition. Do not focus on the ‘expiry’ dates society sets for you. Do not beg someone to love you. Define success you own way, and success will be different at different stages of your life.

I continue to empower women in my workplace as empowered women are enabled women, and the more we enable women and celebrate their achievements the better placed we are in advocating for equality wherever we go.

Talent is not enough

Eva Naputuni Nyoike, Founder and Director at Acorn Special Tutorials

55 years old

I want to continue to grow in the understanding that the love of God is the most important I can experience. With this knowledge, no one can break my stride or slow me down. I pray for my children to grow, and know and love God.

As I have matured, I have shed people in my life who did not bring value. I now have a small network of friends whom I would love to grow old with. I want to nurture the relationships I have, spend more time with loved ones, listen more and just be present. I wish for God to continue using me to serve His purpose in the field of disabilities.

When I first started Acorn Special Tutorials, my ambition was to ensure that students with intellectual disabilities get effective and appropriate education through a multi-disciplinary approach. That remains constant; however, the element of parental engagement has risen and has needed to be addressed through parent workshops and empowerment trainings. I advocate for the inclusion and participation of fathers when it comes to matters of their child’s neurodiversity; it is not just a woman’s issue.

Talent is never enough. Strong belief in what I do has lifted my talent, passion has energised it, and the initiatives I have engaged in have activated it.

Be open to opportunities

Caroline Muaka, Beauty Therapist at Afro Siri Salon

34 years old

I wanted to work in the medical profession. That did not happen due to financial reasons. One time I saw an advert about beauty training and decided to give it a try. Now, I realise what I am doing is the same thing I’d be doing if I were a doctor. Just like I would be treating people as a doctor, I am taking care of women’s beauty needs, improving their self-esteem and wellbeing through advising on the best products to use for their nails, skin and hair. Therefore, nothing has been lost. I am proud of myself.

Be open to opportunities and don’t limit yourself. The challenge most women face is the lack of avenues to pursue their dreams and showcase their abilities. I want women to have opportunities to prove their worth. I am lucky to have great bosses and colleagues at Afro Siri; they empower all of us. They go out of their way to mentor us and offer short courses on latest advanced technologies in the beauty industry. This helps to advance our skillsets. Therefore, I try to pay it forward by mentoring those who come after me.

It takes a lot of courage to be yourself

Renée Re Karanja, Dance Coach and Choreographer, Bodybuilding Coach, and Chairlady of Kenya Bodybuilding Welfare Association

36 years old

I want to wake up every morning without having to worry about the day. I want to be able to look outside and appreciate the little things. I want to keep a genuine smile more often. I want to be happy and at peace with myself, flaws and all.

The best advice I've ever received in my life is to be myself in all that I do. It takes a lot of courage to be yourself in a society that expects you to live by its standards. Don't trade your authenticity for approval. Stand brave and be you. The fact that I am able to stand and achieve my goals in the male dominated industry of dance and bodybuilding gives hope and courage to other women.

The Renée Re brand has created an opportunity to mentor and advise young people on how to brand, present and live their talents.

Surround yourself with the right people

Aliza Rajan, Entrepreneur

27 years old

I want happiness and growth with career and relationships. We all need people in our lives who raise our standards, people who remind us of our purpose and challenge us to be our best version. Self-love is also important. With self-love comes confidence and with confidence comes success. Lately I’ve realized how we need to be ambitious in all aspects of life. Being ambitious in one aspect causes us to neglect and take for granted the little things that also make us happy. Now I’m ambitious for my career, my family, my marriage, my health and fitness, and my social life too. There’s more to life than work.

Supporting other women for a gender equal world is a something I truly believe in. I appreciate women who are doing things for themselves. I’ve been organizing the Miss India Worldwide Kenya pageant for the past four years and we always support initiatives that support other women.