Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Gladys Boss Shollei (centre in cream attire) poses for a group photo with participants during the opening of the Women Achievers Africa Conference and Awards (WACA) 2026 in Nairobi on July 28, 2026.
NAIROBI, Kenya, July 28, 2026 — African leaders have called for bold action to eliminate barriers limiting women’s participation in leadership, economic development and governance, saying inclusive policies and strategic partnerships are essential to unlocking the continent’s full potential.
The call was made at the opening of the Women Achievers Africa Conference and Awards (WACA) 2026 in Nairobi, where policymakers, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, civil society leaders and delegates from across Africa gathered to discuss leadership, innovation, financial inclusion, climate resilience and women’s empowerment.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Gladys Boss Shollei said although women continue to drive economic and social development across Africa, many remain excluded from decision-making and control over productive resources.
“Women are the movers and shakers of our economies, yet they still lack equal economic power. We must continue creating opportunities that empower women, expand their access to resources and strengthen their participation in leadership because they are already transforming communities every day,” said Shollei.
She noted that despite women playing a central role in agriculture, business and community development, they continue to face cultural biases and structural barriers that slow their progress in leadership and economic empowerment.
“When you look across our communities, women are doing the work that keeps families and economies running. What we must now do is ensure they have equal access to opportunities, resources and decision-making because empowering women strengthens our nations and our continent,” she added.
Shollei also highlighted progress made in advancing disability inclusion and creating family-friendly workplaces, saying governments, development partners and the private sector must work together to remove barriers that prevent women from reaching their full potential.
Echoing her remarks, Women Achievers Africa Chairperson Betty Adera said the conference seeks to build a continental movement that celebrates women’s achievements while fostering partnerships capable of accelerating Africa’s transformation.
“The measure of our leadership is not found in the titles we hold, but in the opportunities we create for others to lead. Let us leave this conference committed to building partnerships that will outlive these three days and inspire future generations of African women,” said Adera.
She said the forum would provide participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences and develop practical solutions in governance, entrepreneurship, technology, health, climate resilience, peace and security, while encouraging women to build networks that extend beyond the conference.
From the private sector, KCB Group Director of Marketing and Communications Rosalind Gichuru said women across Africa are increasingly demonstrating that inclusive leadership is not only a social imperative but also a driver of institutional growth and economic success.
“Women are no longer waiting for permission to lead. Leadership is built through consistency, authenticity and excellence, while true influence comes from creating opportunities that enable others to succeed,” said Gichuru.
She said KCB has deliberately invested in women through leadership development programmes, mentorship and its FLAME initiative, under which the bank committed Sh250 billion to women-owned enterprises. Of that amount, women entrepreneurs had accessed Sh160 billion by March 2026, reflecting growing confidence in women-led businesses.
Gichuru urged women entrepreneurs to formalise their businesses to improve access to financing and business support, saying empowering women strengthens families, communities and national economies.
On inclusion, Persons with Disabilities representative Elder Bright challenged institutions across Africa to ensure women with disabilities are fully included in leadership and development processes instead of being treated as an afterthought.
“Inclusion is not inviting someone into a room built without them in mind. Inclusion begins when we design the room together. Women with disabilities belong at decision-making tables because their experiences strengthen policies and create more inclusive societies,” said Bright.
Drawing from her lived experience, Bright said women with disabilities continue to face discrimination in education, employment, leadership and even motherhood despite possessing the talent and resilience needed to contribute to national development.
She called for the full implementation of disability laws, greater accessibility and meaningful representation in governance, saying Africa cannot afford to lose the creativity, innovation and leadership potential of women with disabilities.
The three-day conference will feature discussions on governance, economic empowerment, technology, innovation, peace and security, climate resilience, health and mentorship before culminating in the Women Achievers Africa Awards, which recognise women whose leadership and service continue to transform communities across the continent.
