Equity partnered with the Women on Boards Network (WOBN) on its 2nd edition of the WOBN Awards held in Nairobi. The awards recognize exceptional individuals and organizations who exemplify outstanding leadership by promoting and impacting gender diversification and inclusion.
Speaking during the Awards ceremony, Equity Group Executive Director Mary Wamae said “We are making progress in terms of gender inclusion and diversity, but we have just scratched the surface. Whose job is it? It is my responsibility in whatever position and industry I am in, to mentor other men and women so we can build a society of people with good values.”
She added that the award, which is in its second year, will create a pipeline of value-driven women leaders on boards. “I am truly honored to have been recognized last year. I have been doing more mentorship as a result of the award. I felt a sense of responsibility to do more because I realized there is something, I know that can empower women.” she said.
Mary who won the 2021 Overall Women on Boards Award presented the 2022 Overall Women on Boards Award to Winnie Ngumi CEO of Space & Style.
Equity Group Executive Director Mary Wamae (L) presents a trophy to the winner of the 2022 Overall Women On Boards Award, CEO of Space & Style Winnie Ngumi (R). Mary was the inaugural winner during the 2021 Women on Boards Award.
Equity Group Executive Director Mary Wamae (R) presents a trophy to the first runner-up of the 2022 Overall Women on Boards Award, KEPSA Director of Health & Social Services and Kenya Healthcare Federation Vice Chair, Dr. Elizabeth Wala (L).
This year’s awards ceremony was themed “Celebrating Gender Diversity and Inclusion.” The Women on Boards Network was created in 2014 with the aim of promoting inclusion of women on boards. It brings together women from diverse fields and ranks for mentoring and training sessions.
Speaking during the dinner event, the Chair of Women on Boards Network Catherine Musakali said the awards ceremony is an opportunity to celebrate gender diversity, gender inclusion and age inclusion on boards.
“Diverse and inclusive boards outperform boards that are not. The Women on Boards Network ensures there’s a pipeline of women who can bring diversity to our corporate boards. So far 165 women have been placed on boards while over 60 women have been trained on board membership. We have over 30 mentors who volunteer to walk with our mentees. I’m happy to report that a study by Equileap reveals that gender representation on boards has grown from 12% in 2012 to 36% in 2021” she said, as she celebrated the winners of the awards.
Chairperson of Women on Boards Network Catherine Musakali addresses guests during the 2022 Women On Board Network Awards ceremony.
Important to note is that, as more women take up leadership positions, an equal number are venturing into business. There’s therefore a growing need to also ensure that women in business are empowered through enhancing financial inclusion, financial literacy and entrepreneurship education in order to transform their lives. Equity for instance, has been at the forefront of supporting women in business and has innovated financial solutions to meet the needs of individual women, women in groups and women-led SMEs enabling them to enhance their growth and wealth creation.