Deputy President’s Spouse, Dr. Joyce Kithure, has urged African women to continue pushing for recognition and inclusion in shaping the continent’s future, emphasizing that Africa cannot afford to overlook the critical role women play in its development.
Speaking on Friday evening at the inaugural First Ladies of Africa Impact and Resilience (FLAIR) Gala & Dinner Awards held in Nairobi, Dr. Kithure celebrated the contributions of women across sectors while highlighting the persistent barriers that hinder their full participation.
“Across Africa, women have always been at the heart of resilience and progress,” she said. “Whether in business, science, education, agriculture, technology, or public service, women have been building, nurturing, and sustaining the systems that hold our societies together. And yet, many continue to face structural, cultural, and economic barriers.”
Dr. Kithure, who is also a scientist and lecturer at the University of Nairobi, underscored the transformative impact of empowering girls and women. She shared her experiences from academia, noting that access to education and opportunities enables girls to rewrite not only their own lives but also those of their families and communities.
“As a scientist and educator, I have seen first-hand how transformative empowerment can be,” she said. “When a girl is given access to education, mentorship, resources, and opportunity, she becomes a catalyst for growth, innovation, and generational transformation.”
She encouraged women from across the continent not to be discouraged by the obstacles they face in leadership, innovation, and advocacy, reminding them that their presence and contributions are essential.
“Your voice matters. Your leadership matters. You are powerful, and your contributions are shaping the Africa we want,” Dr. Kithure affirmed.
Calling for sustained efforts, she emphasized that empowerment must be continuous, collaborative, and supported by strong policies, mentorship, and long-term investment.
“Empowering women is not an event—it is a continuous commitment,” she said. “It requires collaboration, policy advocacy, mentorship, and sustained investment. It calls on each of us to use our voices, our platforms, and our influence to create pathways for others.”
The FLAIR Gala brought together African First Ladies, leaders, and changemakers in celebration of resilience, women-led impact initiatives, and cross-continental collaboration.
