A groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting African women in their professional journeys has launched in Kenya. Ignite Her 4 Africa, a sisterhood of rising women leaders across all industries, is dedicated to empowering, uplifting, and transforming the African continent. With a mission to transcend borders, cultures, and backgrounds, the initiative aims to create a more united and empowered Africa through the collective strength of women.
“African women often juggle multiple roles such as wife, mother, daughter, and caretaker while facing significant challenges in health, economic well-being, and gender stereotyping,” said Esther Wangui, Founder of Ignite Her 4 Africa. “Our initiative is here to make a difference by helping women strike a balance and thrive in the modern world.”
The launch, held in Nairobi, featured notable speakers including Kenya’s first female Attorney General, Dorcas Oduor, who emphasized the need for women to work together to uplift each other. She also outlined her plans for reforming the criminal justice sector to alleviate the suffering of women, particularly those affected by a lack of legal representation and the impact of incarceration on families.
“We are going to look at the entire criminal justice sector because women are often the ones who suffer most,” explained Oduor. “It is time to decriminalize petty offenses, provide young people with second chances, and introduce alternatives to incarceration such as open prisons, where individuals can serve their sentences while continuing to work.”
The event also saw contributions from other influential leaders, including Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya, who addressed the urgent need for reforms in response to the rise of femicide cases, particularly in sports. Jenny Da Rin, Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, emphasized that after decades of struggle, women are now gaining recognition for their hard work, ethics, and professionalism, while Hon. Harriette Chiggai, President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights, highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces for women both at home and in the workplace.
Ignite Her 4 Africa is structured around four pillars:
- Women Industry Circles of Influence – Africa
- Celebrating Rising Women Leaders in Africa
- Ignite Her for Africa
- Inspiring the Next Generation
These pillars aim to unite accomplished women, celebrate remarkable leaders, provide training and networking opportunities, and bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement through mentorship programs. According to co-founder Wangui Ngechu, the initiative will serve as a platform for women leaders to share their stories and foster a trustworthy, cross-border support network for professional women.
