The University of Nairobi, Women Economic Empowerment Hub (WEE hub) in collaboration with Vital Voices Engage held a forum at the University of Nairobi on Wednesday, July 25, 2023.

The Forum hosted powerful women leaders from all over the globe and was based on the theme, ‘Women using their power to empower’

President and CEO, Vital Voices, Alyse Nelson moderated the powerful session which focused on the importance of inclusive policy-making and peace-building.

The former President of Lithuania, President Dalia Grybauskaitė gave a personal experience of how she spoke truth to power. She met President Putin and bargained for her country to get oil at better prices. She completely refused the negotiated terms that were given to her and at the end she got the prices of oil down in her country. She encouraged women to believe in themselves and their convictions.

The Conversations were characterized by insightful discussions, introspective thinking and rhetorical questions. Here are some of the tweets from the discussions held that evening.

“Women don’t just ‘carry’ women but they include everyone else in society. I can confirm that women participated and vouched for inclusion in the constitution amendment in Kenya.” Commented Dr. Nancy Barasa, former Deputy Chief Justice

“Women should not be shy of power. Either by contesting or holding powerful positions. We have it in us to deliver the change that we would like to see in society,” opined Nurhayati Ali Assegaf, President, Nuraa Women's Institute

“What’s the joy of being the only woman in the boardroom? Women have always imagined that top positions are for other people. I personally encourage women to apply for the top most positions when they are advertised,” remarked, Prof. Margaret Kobia, former CS, Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender.

“Empowering another woman is like passing the torch- I empowered a younger woman when I was the Prime Minister and although it took time, she then went ahead to become a Prime Minister in my country when I transitioned from politics to academia. It is fulfilling to now work with younger women in colleges and to inspire them to dream and demand for more.’ Noted Beatriz Merino, former Prime Minister Peru.

Participants in the room interacted with the women leaders through a Q and A question mostly focused on how to navigate challenges in leadership, work-life balance , discrimination and how to maximize on opportunities.