Seema: Why health is wealth

A group of women is gathered at a Nairobi hotel, a get-together christened Blush and Bloom whose talk is centred on cancer awareness and personal wellness – over high tea.

It is an intimate and candid conversation bringing to the fore the prevalence of the cancer menace, the mental issues that come with it and the financial well-being that one needs to live a holistic good life. And taking the keynote speech is Seema Dhanani-de Souza, an experienced and versatile banker. She is a personal wellness luxury lover who likes sharing nuggets on women’s inclusion in the beauty industry, that, in celebrating beauty and strength,” Seema says during an interview with Eve Magazine against the backdrop of the event.

Currently serving in a newly introduced role of director, of affluent consumer business at Absa Bank Kenya, Seema shares are passion for planning and executing wellness strategies as well as empathy mapping, something that has been core to her illustrious banking career spanning 26 years. She likes leading and innovating within diverse business segments.

“ The main goal here is to connect with women who might be going through similar experiences or just want to know more. We’re bringing Prestige customers together for awareness and wellness. Today’s event aims to increase awareness about cancer and we have Dr David Makumi, the CEO of Faraja Cancer Trust, speaking to the women. A total of 10 per cent of the proceeds today will go towards supporting cancer through the trust,” says Seema.

“We have about 122 people diagnosed with cancer every day in this country. These are our people, our family, people with faces, careers, and futures. We just don’t know who the next person is, and we need to act,” says Dr David Makumi as he rallies the female-centric audience to go for early screening and support cancer sufferers.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory, an agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), Kenya has 44,726 new annual cases, up from 42,000 in 2020. This number keeps increasing. Every year, 3000 children in Kenya are diagnosed with cancer, which means a child is diagnosed every eight hours. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Kenya, accounting for approximately 38 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in women.

Support and commitment save lives, as Ann Gathegu, a cancer survivor who benefitted from the trust after being diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2023, says.

“Early detection truly saved my life. Early treatment means less pain and low cost,” the 44-year-old Missionary Sister of the Holy Rosary, who was declared cancer-free in August, this year, says of her journey, a story that signifies hope, resilience, and courage.

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According to Seema, there is a need for institutions such as the one she represents to focus on wellness among its personnel and customers. She says that the world over, financial institutions are increasingly recognising the importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors that they can use to mitigate risks, enhance their reputation, and drive long-term value creation. She says that ESG-focused investments can contribute to a more sustainable future while generating positive financial returns.

“We have had webinar meetings that focus on topics like menopause, empty nesters, mental wellness, and more. We aim to support men as well, encouraging them to open up and address mental wellness issues. We encourage all to open up while also being cognizant that there are men in the room who might not be saying anything,” says Seema.

“See when you are well personally, it helps your financial wellness. Supporting people holistically ensures sustainable futures and ensures the long-term objectives of maintaining customer-centric in what is important to them personally. They say health is wealth and I should simply put it that way,” Seema says.

For Seema, 2024 has been a roller-coaster. She describes the past six months as having been a whirlwind, “from endless late nights to the occasional coffee overdose...”

“First, as shared with you, a massive highlight was winning the Service Excellence Leader of the Year award in Kenya for 2024. That moment was surreal, and I’m still in disbelief. But the journey didn’t stop there; I was also honoured with an award for my contribution to Absa in the last six months (and my first six months at Absa) – a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion I’ve poured into every project,” she says through a recent online post.

“It’s been a journey full of challenges, growth, and quite a few laughs; based on my continuous disasters with parking, acronyms and team calls. To my incredible family who’ve had to hold down the fort while I’ve been caught up in this whirlwind – thank you for your endless patience, love, and support,” says Seema.

Asked what she considers her greatest achievement this year, Seema says: “We recently launched a foundation focusing on the environment and ESG. It’s fantastic that this aligns with my values. Our affluent business is very much aligned with sustainability. Every aspect of our proposition, from lifestyle experiences to gifts, like recyclable bags and stone-made notebooks, reflects this focus. We’re intentional about ensuring our propositions align with sustainability from a corporate and personal perspective. This is working for me. Three months ago, I launched the bank’s wellness strategy centred on its customers’ holistic experience and the market is listening.”

“In Africa, we also have the concept of black tax, where people support entire villages. How will this be impacted by the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF)?” we ask, this being a matter that could escalate wellness issues among families.

“That extra support will disappear, which was crucial for many families. Financial institutions have the responsibility to help inform, create awareness, and provide strategies to cope with these issues.”

In her spare time, she is a mum, beautyprenuer, and an avid traveller and adventurist, with a zest for life that is principled under the philosophy of “live each day like it’s your last”.