Chiggai pushes for more women in leadership positions

President William Ruto’s Adviser on Women's Rights, Harriette Chiggai. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

President William Ruto’s Adviser on Women's Rights, Harriette Chiggai, has called for stronger partnerships to promote gender parity in leadership positions.

She said collaboration between the private sector, civil society and government is crucial to advancing gender diversity in workplaces.

Speaking at the 4th Women on Boards Network Annual Gala Dinner Awards on Friday, Chiggai noted that women bring diverse perspectives and skills that contribute to better decision-making in boardrooms.

 However, she acknowledged that societal norms, biases and a lack of opportunities hinder women’s advancement.

“Studies show that companies with diverse boards perform better financially. Yet, these benefits are often blocked by structural challenges and outdated cultural expectations,” she explained.

Chiggai also urged women leaders to challenge the status quo and address key issues like unpaid care work.

She called for policies that support young mothers in the workplace, such as child-friendly environments that allow parents to bring their children to work.

Despite progress in some areas, such as Safaricom’s achievement of 50:50 gender balance in its boardroom, Chiggai cautioned that more needs to be done across both public and private sectors to achieve gender equality in leadership.

The Judiciary’s progress, with over 50 per cent of leadership roles held by women, was noted as a positive example.

Other voices at the gala echoed similar sentiments.

Dhiren Ahuja, proprietor of Cheers and Bakery Café, a partner of the Women on Boards Network, said the event was an opportunity to recognize those pushing for gender equality in the workplace.

Farida Abdalla Soud, chairperson of the Mombasa County Public Service Board, added that Kenya has made strides in increasing women’s representation in leadership roles.

“We must continue to challenge outdated paradigms and support one another to achieve lasting change,” she said.