Empowering Women in Business: The Role of Company Secretaries in Advancing Gender Equality
As we approach International Women’s Day, with the theme “Accelerate Action,” it is a timely reminder that gender equality in the workplace and beyond must be propelled forward. This day offers an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, recognize the remaining challenges, and accelerate efforts to create a more inclusive and equal society.
One sector where women have made significant strides, yet still face challenges, is the corporate world. The role of women in leadership positions, particularly company secretaries, is a key factor in pushing gender equality forward, ensuring fair representation, and fostering inclusive business environments.
According to a recent report by the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) and Kenya Institute of Management (KIM), women hold around 36% of board seats in Kenya. This is significantly more compared to 21% reported in 2017 and higher than the global average of 23%.
Despite these advances, 41.25% of boards still have no women, and 34.3% have only one female director. This highlights the need for continued efforts to achieve gender parity at the top levels of leadership.
The Role of Company Secretaries in Advancing Gender Equality
In the past, this role was seen as administrative, but today, it is a key strategic position that shapes an organization's direction.
Below are a few ways Company Secretaries can advocate for gender equality.
Key Governance Role: Company secretaries hold a strategic position in corporate governance. They are responsible for ensuring compliance with legal requirements, managing board activities, and supporting business integrity. This position enables them to advocate for policies that encourage gender equality.
Championing Diversity: As trusted advisors to the board, company secretaries can help influence corporate policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. They can:
Ensure recruitment processes are inclusive and non-discriminatory.
Advocate for the creation of gender-neutral policies within organizations.
Ensure that gender equality principles are embedded in the organization’s values.
3. Leadership Development: Female company secretaries can use their positions to promote leadership training programs specifically tailored for women, helping them access opportunities for career advancement and executive roles.
While progress has been made, there is still much work to do. Over the years, corporate structures have become more inclusive, with more women stepping into leadership roles. In Kenya, initiatives such as the Women’s Enterprise Fund and the Kenya Women’s Empowerment Development Fund have made significant strides toward empowering women entrepreneurs. These initiatives, along with global shifts toward gender parity, have paved the way for increased representation of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
In 2019, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) introduced a voluntary gender diversity rule that required listed companies to disclose the number of women on their boards. This initiative has been a positive step toward increasing female representation and encouraging companies to adopt gender-inclusive policies.
In Kenya and globally, many companies are starting to set measurable goals for gender diversity, and some have introduced initiatives such as leadership training for women and unconscious bias training for employees. Though challenges like the gender pay gap and underrepresentation in executive roles persist, these efforts indicate a shift toward more inclusive corporate governance.
The Role of Women in Corporate Leadership: Hand-Holding the Next Generation
Research indicates that Kenyan women in leadership roles are increasingly championing handholding programs to lift younger women in the corporate sector. This helps bridge the gender gap in leadership and fosters a supportive environment for growth. A few things done to handhold younger women are;
1. Mentorship: Women in the corporate world who have achieved leadership positions have a unique opportunity to mentor the next generation. This mentorship is vital for;
Offering guidance on navigating career challenges.
Sharing valuable leadership insights and strategies for success.
Helping young women build their confidence and leadership skills.
2. Creating a Supportive Environment: By mentoring, established female leaders can:
Empower younger women to overcome gender-based challenges.
Promote leadership development programs and internships.
Encourage work-life balance, helping younger women manage personal and professional responsibilities.
3. Shaping Corporate Culture: Women leaders should actively advocate for a corporate culture that supports women’s advancement, ensuring that women feel valued and have the opportunity to excel.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Women in Business
The theme for International Women’s Day 2025, “Accelerate Action,” is a call to move beyond discussions and take concrete steps to accelerate progress on gender equality. As women in business, we must:
Accelerate efforts to remove barriers for women in leadership.
Push for stronger policies that ensure equal pay, career development, and opportunities.
Ensure that mentorship and leadership programs are accessible to women of all backgrounds.
Happy International Women’s Day 2025! Let us continue to work towards a future where rights, equality, and empowerment are enjoyed by all.
#IWD2025 #AccelerateAction #WomensRights #GenderEquality