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Overcoming barriers to women leadership
Despite the underrepresentation of younger women on African boards, the continent has the opportunity to develop the next generation of board leaders through strategic initiatives like this one.
In boardrooms around the world, change has been slow to come. Women, particularly the young ones, still find themselves navigating structural barriers to achieve leadership roles that not only reflect their talents but are critical for building dynamic, diverse, and forward-thinking governance.
In Africa, despite leading the global average for female board representation, with 25 percent of board seats held by women against a global average of 17 percent, the fight for gender equity is far from over.
And now, it's time for a new phase of leadership. 50/50 Women on Boards, which officially launched the Nairobi Chapter this October, is a pivotal moment in the story of African corporate leadership.
With a mission rooted in accelerating gender balance and diversity on corporate boards across the globe, 50/50 Women on Boards aims to equip and propel African women into board positions across industries.
This chapter, the first on the African continent, is a vital step forward empowering women to break through barriers of age, social capital, and underrepresentation.
For too long, the conversations surrounding board diversity have revolved around slow progress or maintaining the status quo. The 50/50 Women on Boards Nairobi Chapter represents a powerful response to these challenges.
Not only does it highlight the existing leadership potential of women across Kenya, but it also addresses a glaring gap: the need for younger, ambitious women to take their rightful place at the boardroom table.
Despite the underrepresentation of younger women on African boards, the continent has the opportunity to develop the next generation of board leaders through strategic initiatives like this one.
Corporate boards that embrace diversity of thought, experience, and background are stronger and more resilient. Companies with diverse boards are more productive, more profitable, and exhibit greater innovation and risk management.
Africa’s unique economic and social dynamics demand leaders who can navigate complexity, foster inclusivity, and represent the full spectrum of talent on the continent. But to achieve that, we need to be intentional about preparing young women for these roles and providing them with access to opportunities.
The Nairobi chapter will provide women with crucial tools such as strategic networking, board readiness education, and access to a global network of mentors and peers.
Through this initiative, we will witness the rise of a new cadre of women leaders who are not just board-ready, but board-essential.
As Africa continues to rise in global prominence, it is critical that the women leading its corporate boards are as diverse and dynamic as the continent itself. The significance of this launch extends beyond Nairobi. It sets the stage for future chapters across Africa and affirms that the time for gender-balanced leadership is now.
As global trends shift towards sustainability, inclusivity, and digital transformation, African women leaders are positioned to offer fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. The success of this initiative will resonate throughout the region and beyond, creating ripple effects in the boardrooms of companies with influence over Africa’s economic and social landscape.
At the heart of 50/50 Women on Boards is a commitment to equity, empowerment, and excellence. With the Nairobi launch, I invite corporate leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to support this mission, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes good business sense.
Diversity on boards leads to stronger governance, better decision-making, and ultimately, more successful companies. For young women across Africa, this is a moment to seize, a chance to lead.
The 50/50 Women on Boards Nairobi Chapter is not just about filling seats—it’s about ensuring that those seats are filled by women who will shape the future of corporate Africa. Our journey begins now, and the impact will be felt for generations to come.
