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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Family enterprises that encourage change emphasise their social values fiber

Opinion

By Surjit Singh Flora | Sep 23, 2024

Violence against women remains a troubling issue in our society. Words and grassroots actions alone cannot halt these atrocities. Nonetheless, if there is one sector that has the potential to drive significant transformation, it is the business enterprises and family-owned businesses in Kenya.

Business families serve as catalysts for social change, acting as influential social units and significant economic contributors. They control over 41 per cent of Kenyan businesses, granting them the power to reshape both the corporate landscape and social norms. It possesses the ability to transform.

The influence of women stepping into leadership positions in these families reaches well beyond the confines of the boardroom. The financial achievements of women lenders. Kenya Women Holding is a microfinance, banking, and insurance firm that employs 2,800 people and works with over 900,000. Since its inception, Kenya Women Holding has provided $1.3 billion in loans, with the average loan amount being under $600. The organization stands as the largest microfinance provider in Kenya, partnering with numerous esteemed human rights groups. However, it is essential to highlight their achievement in creating a gender-neutral environment that serves as an exemplary model for other organizations.

Angeline Mueni Mutuku, an entrepreneur from Kenya, participated in the second phase of the UNITAR Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership Training for Women Entrepreneurs in Africa. After her employment ended during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Angeline started her own business focused on selling pure honey and pishori rice.

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These women, who are not merely symbolic leaders but engaged leaders, recognize the influence they possess in fostering a culture of safety and respect. The Impact of Women in Leadership As an increasing number of women assume leadership roles, their confidence and ability to make decisions serve as an inspiration for other women to pursue leadership positions, effectively concluding enduring discussions surrounding gender roles. The remaining conservative ideas are flawed. This perspective motivates us to modify our thoughts and behaviors in a potentially male-dominated environment.

Family businesses serve as a small-scale reflection of the broader society. Gender-based discrimination in a family business frequently mirrors the systemic blame present in our social structure. When family businesses advocate for change, it frequently reveals underlying systemic blame in our social structure.

Families must take the initiative. This is an appeal for family businesses to assume a prominent position in advocating for gender equality and the safety of women. Studies indicate that while societal and wider circumstances may pose challenges to gender equality, families that adopt a growth mindset can navigate and surmount these obstacles. Empower the women in your home.

Transfer your business across generations while also empowering women to instil strength and security in their daughters.

Surjit Singh Flora is a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Brampton Canada