UN Women, the UN agency focused on promoting gender equality and empowering women around the world, recently held a high-level forum at the Glee Hotel in Nairobi. The event aimed to inspire private sector companies to embrace and implement the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs)—a detailed set of guidelines designed to help businesses weave gender equality into their operations, policies, and corporate culture.
Millicent Maloba, a gender-responsive programming expert at UN Women, pointed out that while 128 companies in Kenya have signed the WEPs, the journey doesn’t stop there. This year’s forum theme, “Moving from Pledges to Practice,” urges organizations to show real progress. This means going beyond just making promises and instead sharing tangible results, like the number of women who have been promoted, mentored, or supported in their workplaces.
The WEPs also stress the importance of incorporating gender considerations into procurement and supply chain processes—an area where the Kenya Institute of Supply Chain Management (KISM) is leading the way. Through initiatives like the Women in Supply Chain Forum and the Tribe of Women Caucus, KISM offers mentorship, professional development, and policy advocacy. These programs equip women with the tools and networks they need to succeed and actively contribute to reforms under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) framework.
KISM further supports women through coaching and capacity-building programs, promoting participation in ethical and transparent procurement practices. Additionally, its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program is crucial in empowering women who have practical experience but may lack formal qualifications, helping them achieve professional certification and recognition.
In partnership with UN Women, KISM is making significant progress toward a more fair and inclusive business landscape in Kenya, where women can take the lead, develop their skills, and truly flourish.
