Zuri Foundation raises Sh50 million for women in science

Some of the women movers and shakers who were awarded during a previous Zuri Awards gala dinner. [Courtesy]

The Zuri Foundation has raised over Sh50 million to support women with investment readiness in the last seven years.

Foundation's CEO and Co-Founder Norah Muthoni Mumo said the move is aimed at supporting women digital storytelling and engagement, expo showcase, traditional media engagement and networking sessions at the annual gala dinner.

She said coaching, mentorship, and training sessions, as well as corporate and government linkages and networking are among other activities that will be included in the programme.

According to Mumo, Zuri Awards through its foundation has been able to create over 1,000 submissions, shortlisting and digital storytelling of 202 nominees and 81 honorees while providing 15 trade linkages and impacting over 10 million lives.

"As we unveil the nomination for the 2024 Zuri Awards, we are inspired by the remarkable achievement and resilience of women across diverse sectors," said Mumo.

Speaking at the opening of the nominations, Mumo said the ultimate goal is to promote women inclusion.

"When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world and when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. In line with the 2024 International Women's Day theme, 'InspireInclusion', we aim to forge a more inclusive world for women," she said.

She said this year's nominations span fifteen categories, reflecting the diverse and impactful work of women across Kenya in Agriculture, Healthcare, Renewable Energy, Art, Culture and Entertainment.

Other categories include Humanitarian, Public Service, Business, Innovation, Sports, Education, Manufacturing, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Environmental Sustainability, Media, and Young Achiever.

"The Zuri Awards played a pivotal role in elevating my visibility and credibility within the agricultural community. As someone dedicated to empowering farmers to reduce feed costs, the recognition resulted in an increased number of consultations from farmers seeking guidance on cost-effective practices without compromising the quality of their produce," said Annrose Gathara, an agriculture Honoree of 2022.

Gathara said this recognition has not only enhanced her own life but has also positively impacted the lives of farmers and the communities that rely on them.

This year's Gala Dinner, where the Honourees will be announced, is scheduled to take place on March 7, 2024.

The event brings together stakeholders, partners, and advocates to celebrate the achievements of women and explore opportunities for collaboration and impact.