The United Nation Office in Nairobi (UNON) recently hosted a Women Leaders Network event in honor of International Women’s Day on 18th March 2025. The event, themed “For All Women and Girls; Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” brought together women leaders from various United Nations agencies for a day of networking and knowledge-sharing.
The event featured a keynote address by Zainab Bangura, Director General of the UNON, who emphasized the importance of gender parity and strategic leadership within the organization. She highlighted the progress made since the network’s inception in 2020, emphasizing the value of mentoring, professional development, and operational support for women in leadership roles.
Ms. Antonia N’Gabala Sodonon, UN Women Kenya Country Representative, spoke about UN Women’s role as the secretariat of the Women Leaders Network and its commitment to supporting the network’s Action Plan. She called for a renewed commitment to the Beijing Agenda on the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, urging for accelerated gender equality across all sectors and addressing the issue of femicide in Kenya.
Panel discussions at the event focused on key workplace challenges such as balancing assertiveness and approachability, managing emotional labor, and recognizing the importance of unpaid mentorship. Moderated by Ms. Sandra Macharia, Director of the United Nations Information Service, the panels provided practical insights into navigating these challenges while supporting career growth and fostering a culture of collaboration.
The event underscored the vital role of women leaders in driving organizational success and provided a platform for developing strategies to promote a more inclusive and balanced work environment. It also highlighted the global backlash against women’s rights, calling on UN agencies to stand united against regressive forces and continue championing the rights and empowerment of women and girls.
Overall, the Women Leaders Network event at UNON was a celebration of women’s leadership and a call to action for gender equality and empowerment. It served as a reminder of the importance of supporting women in leadership roles and creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace for all.
