16 days of Activism: Women IN Entrepreneurship Event held at Metta Nairobi

Date: Monday, 11 December 2017

Despite the rise of the female entrepreneur, women remain greatly underrepresented in the ranks of entrepreneurs even in the most developed markets around the world. As part of UN Women’s activities for the 16 days of Activism, UN Women regional office together with Metta Nairobi, an entrepreneur’s innovation hub, organized the Women IN Enterprise event, in collaboration with Google’s Women Will initiative.

The event was held on 7^th December 2017 to assist women in businesses including access to financing, branding and online presence, Government fund for women entrepreneurs and mentorship. The event was significant as it aimed to raise awareness about gender inequality by helping women business owners and professionals advocate for themselves so they can achieve success in their business ventures. Among the speakers were Celestine Ukpere, Women Will Manager and Khadija Abdul, Women Will Co-manager, Lawyer Michelle Ouma, among others.

Khadija Abdul addressing participants at the event Photo: Metta Nairobi, Ismail Bin Noor

There were discussions on various topics led by various industry leaders on specific topical issues including Gender bias, Leadership in male dominated industries, Government Funds for women, Business Finance and access to sources of capital and markets. During the event, Faith Bwibo from UN Women also took the opportunity to speak to the attendees on the global 16 days of activism being spearheaded by UN Women; commemorated annually from 25^th November to 10^th December. This year’s theme was Leaving No Woman or girl behind.

Participants listening to the ongoing presentations Photo: Metta Nairobi, Ismail Bin Noor

The Women IN initiative is a joint collaboration led by UN Women and Metta Nairobi- an innovation space that connects people, ideas and resources. This event brought together over 100 women to discuss various issues affecting them in access to capital, challenges and opportunities therein.

Metta Nairobi serves as a driver for global collaborations and knowledge sharing to solve critical issues in the world today. Among its many events and activities are female leadership events which aim to further female causes and careers.