The Ignite Her 4 Africa initiative was launched in Nairobi, creating a powerful new platform for empowering women across the continent. Co-founded by Esther Wangui and Wangui Ngechu, the initiative brings together a sisterhood of rising African women leaders dedicated to uplifting one another, breaking down barriers, and transforming Africa through unity and empowerment.
The vision is simple but profound: transcend borders, backgrounds, and cultures to build a better Africa by supporting women in their professional journeys.
The launch was marked by inspiring speeches, including one from Kenya’s first female Attorney General, Dorcas Oduor, who emphasized the need for urgent reforms in the criminal justice system, shedding light on the impact on women.
Oduor passionately called for the decriminalization of petty offenses and alternatives to incarceration, stressing that these changes would benefit not only women but society at large.
“You can’t do things alone and you cannot succeed alone,” she said, reminding the audience that true success comes from collaboration and accepting help where needed.
Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya, echoed this sentiment, focusing on the rising incidence of femicide, particularly in Kenyan athletics, and the gaps in legal protections for women. She urged women in leadership to use their platforms to drive transformative change, supporting one another to make a meaningful difference.
Australian High Commissioner Jenny Da Rin celebrated the progress of African women over the past decades, noting the rise of confident, hardworking, and intellectually driven women leaders across the continent. She spoke of the world finally witnessing the impact of African women’s leadership in various sectors and the importance of supporting each other to continue this momentum.
The Ignite Her 4 Africa initiative is built on four key pillars: uniting accomplished women through Women Industry Circles of Influence, celebrating rising African women leaders, inspiring the next generation through mentorship, and empowering women through targeted training and networking opportunities.
The initiative aims to bridge the gap between aspiration and achievement, offering a reliable and sustainable support system for professional women navigating their careers in a fast-paced world.
At the event, Harriette Chiggai, the President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights, introduced her ‘Safe Home, Safe Spaces’ campaign, calling on women to create safe environments both at home and in the workplace. She emphasized the urgent need to restore warmth and unity within society, positioning women as the key to fostering this change.
At the core of the initiative is the belief that African women, who often juggle multiple roles, need a sustainable support system to navigate the challenges of balancing professional success with societal expectations.
Ignite Her 4 Africa aims to fill that gap, creating a platform for women to share stories, receive mentorship, and gain the confidence to achieve their aspirations.
The launch of Ignite Her 4 Africa is an appeal to African women to unite, lift one another, and collectively transform the continent for the better. Through its pillars of mentorship, recognition, and collaboration, it offers a framework for sustainable support and growth, ensuring that African women continue to rise, lead, and shape the future of their industries and communities.
