Badili Africa, a dedicated organization committed to promoting women's leadership roles and empowerment, recently hosted a transformative event at Kabarak University. This event aimed to inspire and educate students on the significance of women's leadership, breaking down barriers, and challenging traditional gender roles in various fields. The gathering received an enthusiastic response from both university leaders and students, shedding light on the pivotal role women play in leadership positions.
Joy Kamau, the Chief Executive Officer of Better Lives, graced the occasion as the guest speaker, focusing on the crucial connection between mental health and effective leadership, particularly in the context of women's leadership.
Mrs. Joy Kamau initiated the event by encouraging students to assess their mental well-being through an online stress test. She emphasized the importance of maintaining stable mental health, particularly for those aspiring to leadership roles, recognizing the pressures students often face. She recommended engaging in activities like watching movies, listening to music, and regular exercise to alleviate stress. According to her, a sound mental state is instrumental in enabling leaders to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
During her address, she also provided valuable guidance to the students, with a special emphasis on women, regarding the essential qualities expected of leaders. These qualities included confidence, accountability, responsibility, godliness, commitment, adaptability to change, accessibility, and self-awareness, among other critical attributes. Furthermore, she called upon male students to actively support their female counterparts in their pursuit of leadership roles, both within and outside the university, emphasizing that empowering women in leadership roles fosters equality in society. She concluded her speech by urging students to deliver on their leadership roles with diligence and to hold their leaders accountable for their actions.
The event facilitated meaningful interaction between the students and the speakers, with students actively engaging in discussions, asking questions, and sharing their thoughts on women's roles in leadership. Notable attendees included Karen Birech, the current president of Kabarak University, and Loraine Koskei, the former president, who offered valuable insights based on their leadership experiences. Karen Birech highlighted the importance of open forums for student feedback, emphasizing the need for leaders to remain accountable.
Badili Africa's mission to encourage women to pursue leadership roles and provide support through initiatives such as backing local women's groups has left a lasting impact on Kabarak University. The event not only inspired aspiring women leaders but also reshaped the perspective of male students on women's leadership. Badili Africa's presence at the university has undoubtedly contributed to fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in leadership positions.
