By Kasandra Musyimi
Mombasa, Kenya: An inspiring evening was held in Mombasa last Saturday, gathering leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members to celebrate International Women’s Day. The event, themed “When We Give, We Gain,” focused on empowerment, mentorship, and generosity.
The Global Women Impact Foundation (GLOWI) organized the event, which emphasized the significant positive impact of women supporting each other within communities.
According to Founder Clarice Mwakazi, the theme chosen for the event underscores the reciprocal relationship between giving and empowerment.
“When we give, we gain. Either you are giving to someone or receiving from someone,” she said. “This is more than a celebration; it is a reminder of how far we have come and how far we are going. Women continue to lead and inspire.”
Mwakazi noted that empowering women has far-reaching effects beyond individuals.
“When you empower a woman, you empower a community, and when the community is empowered, the whole world benefits,” she said, while urging women to challenge systems that limit them.
“Your voice matters. Let us challenge systems that limit us and introduce systems that empower so that every girl has the opportunity to thrive and make an impact.”
She also acknowledged the role of men who attended the event in support of women’s empowerment.
Mwakazi founded the organisation in 2019, beginning with school visits aimed at encouraging girls to believe in their potential. In 2024, the foundation received recognition for its community work.
Mentorship that changes lives
Mentorship was a life-changing experience for Speaker Khadija Hake, who grew up in an environment where women’s voices were frequently suppressed.
“I grew up in a culture that silenced women. I constantly asked myself who I was and whether I could ever lead,” she said.
Her turning point came through mentorship and inspiration from previous GLOWI events.
“A simple mentorship programme through Madam Lilian and Clarice changed my life. I also received a book, Know Your Worth by Sheila Thoya, at a previous event and it completely transformed my mindset,” she said.
Today, Hake runs an initiative that mentors and empowers young girls.
“Every woman was meant to be seen and heard,” she said.
Turning pain into purpose
Ruth Machocho, an advocate for persons with disabilities, launched her book Fighting Your Way Forward during the event. Machocho spoke about her personal experiences, which included acquiring a disability after an accident and subsequently losing both her parents in the same year.
“It’s not over until it’s over. It is only over when you cannot breathe. As long as you can breathe, you can change your narrative,” she said.
She encouraged the audience to embrace healing while remaining determined.
“Take your time, cry and feel everything. But when you show up again, give it your all. Fight and choose to emerge as a winner.”
The deeper meaning of giving
Author and motivational speaker, Sheila Thoya, addressed the audience, focusing on how generosity impacts both a person’s spiritual life and their personal development.
“I am a testament of giving. My parents died when I was young and I come from a difficult background, but my mother’s sister sacrificed everything to educate us,” she said.
According to Thoya, giving goes beyond financial success.
“We are not here just to make money. We are here to be ambassadors of restoration and to build what God has ordained. Wealth should not own us.”
She added that generosity often unlocks opportunities and connections.
“Giving brings divine favour, acceleration and powerful connections.”
Mentorship across generations
A key takeaway from the intergenerational conversation, moderated by Juliet, was the critical role of mentorship in leadership development.
“Whatever gift you have, showcase it,” Juliet encouraged participants.
According to panelist Evelyne Samba, both mentorship and generosity are foundational to developing personal confidence.
“When you give, you gain confidence and courage,” she said.
Lessons on life’s seasons
CJ Atemo, a leadership speaker, encouraged participants to understand that life progresses through distinct stages.
“Life is lived in seasons, and each season presents different opportunities. Learn to understand the season you are in and maximize it,” he said.
Atemo also emphasized adaptability and the importance of relationships.
“Every season requires a different version of you. Be flexible because sometimes the calling of your future is hidden in quiet moments around you” adding that personal growth also depends on how individuals treat others.
“Treat people well because your next season could be in the hands of someone else. Acceptance is a privilege, no matter how good you think you are” Atemo encouraged women to embrace their identity rather than compete with men.
Adding “Do not lose your femininity because you feel the need to compete with men. Embrace the fact that you are a woman and celebrate your uniqueness.”
Celebrating womanhood
Jane Cherop, an attendee, found the event to be a personally meaningful experience.
“When I saw this event, I immediately knew I had to attend because it was my birthday. This was the best gift I could give myself, to be in a space for women organised by women,” she said.
“The keynote speakers were my highlight, and I am leaving with three amazing books from great authors. I look forward to more events from the Global Women Impact Foundation.”
The participants left the evening with a unified message: the power of women to transform lives and communities lies in their commitment to mentorship, generosity, and courage.
