Solutions for women's employability barriers in Kenya

I was shocked when I realized the greatest challenge to closing the economic gender gap in Africa. And I think it's important everyone learns about it as well. Here goes: The greatest challenge to closing the gender gap, and why it is estimated that it will take more than 150 years to close the gap in Africa, is the significant perception vs. reality gap. Let me explain: According to research by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) & United Nations Global Compact, who surveyed 4000 men and women across Africa, they found that more than 50% of men and women in Sub-Saharan Africa believe that there is gender parity and/or women are ahead in their country when it comes to various indicators, including equal pay for work of equal value. Ironically, about 40% of the same men and women surveyed believe that men are better leaders than women in analytical and technical skills as well as leadership abilities. In reality however, even though women in Sub-Saharan Africa have higher rates of participation (54%) in the economy than global averages, 90% of them work informally, predominantly in low-skilled jobs, given their historical gap in access to education. They hold only nearly a quarter of management positions, with only 16% of CEO/MD positions held by women. And though this rate has been growing over the past 20 years, with the current rate, it is estimated that it will take more than 150 years to close the gender gap on the continent. So, the question now is what needs to be done? We all need to play our part in addressing the barriers that hold women back: - Every business needs policies against discrimination and harassment. - Flexible options like remote work and flexible hours are essential for working parents and women. - Training staff on gender equality and offering skills training for women are smart investments. - Programs such as financial literacy and business mentorship are crucial for female entrepreneurs and the self-employed. - Providing better access to financial products is vital for entrepreneurs and should be prioritized by banks and other businesses. - Equal pay and benefits, along with better parental leave and caregiving support, are important goals. Women's participation in the economy greatly boosts a country's productivity and can significantly increase GDP—by up to 50% in Africa—thanks to the added workforce and the benefits of gender diversity. The study authored by Qahir Dhanani and team (Sanda Ojiambo, Tolulope Lewis Tamoka, Lina Al Qaddoumi, Zineb Sqalli, Natasha Lendich, Maxime Kpangbai) also revealed a fascinating trend: women-led startups deliver a whopping 10% higher ROI. And that's not all! It also suggested that income earned by women has a significantly greater impact on communities compared to income earned by men. These findings highlight the incredible potential of bridging the economic gender gap.

Youth unemployment in Africa isn’t a skills gap, it’s a design gap Everywhere you go, people talk about youth unemployment in Africa. It’s the crisis that defines our generation, with 60 percent of the continent’s unemployed being young people. Many companies launch training programs, CSR projects, or short-term pilots. Most don’t last. They depend on who’s in charge, and when priorities shift, they disappear. Because they sit next to the business, not inside it. At M-KOPA , employment creation is not a program, it is the business model. Across Africa, more than 35,000 direct sales agents now earn through the platform, most under 35, and 45 percent are women. For many, it is their first job, and 92 percent say they earn more since joining. When I visited our teams in Kenya, I saw the impact firsthand. The first income isn’t just money, it is dignity, confidence, and proof that someone believed in you. For young women, that first step is the hardest, safety, transport, time, networks. So we designed for that. Safer working conditions. Flexible schedules. Support systems that let women work longer and earn more. It worked, and we scaled it across markets. The ILO found that in Sub-Saharan Africa, getting that first job lifts lifetime earnings by 20 to 40 percent. When women access formal work with flexibility, the benefits multiply across families and generations. My takeaway as Chair, if you want inclusion that lasts, put it inside the P&L. Design for the first job, design for women, and design for scale. Because the first income is never small. Photo from my first visit to Kenya with the M-KOPA team and Sumitomo Corporation , one of our shareholders. An inspiring group building opportunity, inclusion, and lasting impact from the ground up. #YouthEmployment #GenderInclusion #Africa #Fintech #Leadership #MKOPA

I’m excited to share the release of "Empowering Women Farmers in East Africa," a joint study by Farm to Market Alliance (FtMA), Bayer | Crop Science, and NTT DATA. The report highlights the vital role women play in agriculture across Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda – and the systemic barriers they face, including legal, social, and economic challenges.   It outlines three strategies to unlock their potential: - Capacity building in skills and leadership - Economic empowerment through access to finance and markets - Supportive governance and community structures   At Bayer, we’re committed to supporting women farmers and promoting inclusive, resilient agricultural systems. Read the full study and join us in advocating for policies that empower women in agriculture. Together, we can create an environment where women thrive as leaders and innovators.   For more information, please visit: https://lnkd.in/gEt8uDpE #GenderEquality #WomenInAgriculture Frank Terhorst, Natasha Santos, Alejandra Castro