Invest In Women For Optimal Performance – Monica Juma

The National Security Advisor to the President of the Republic of Kenya Hon. Amb. Dr Monica Juma has lauded the Government’s efforts to support women and called on leaders to deliberately invest in women for optimal performance.

Dr Juma who was speaking during the International Women’s Day celebrations at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) noted that the leadership of the country has embraced a governance framework that is deliberately investing in women.

She said that society needs to embrace equality to realize prosperity. “A more equal society is a better society because it offers opportunities for its people to fulfill their full potential. It is more secure and stable and its people live dignified and full lives. Gender equality is good politics, gender equality is profitable business, gender equality is a more secure society,” said Dr Juma. The Ambassador called on institutional leaders to progress efforts toward gender mainstreaming, implement policy frameworks, and establish inclusion committees that protect women and create a safe and empowered work environment for women.

In his address, KRA Commissioner for Kenya School of Revenue Administration (KESRA), Dr. Mugambi Mwirigi said that KRA has intentionally invested in women by creating a gender-sensitive work environment through targeted programs, structures, and opportunities in line with the directives on gender mainstreaming and the two-thirds gender principle.

“At KRA, 46% of the current staff complement are female, 54% are male with a 36% female representation at the top management level.” Said Dr Mugambi. He added that KRA has reviewed its internal policies to be responsive to the unique demands and dynamics surrounding women, and is implementing targeted initiatives such as mentorship programs, leadership development, nd flexible work arrangements, to enhance the workplace experience for women to reach their full potential.

Other leaders present during the event were the Advisor on Women’s Rights to the President of the Republic of Kenya Hon. Harriet Chiggai MBA, LLB, Ag. Commissioner for Corporate Support Services Ms. Nancy Ng’etich, Marketing & Innovations Director for East Africa Breweries Ltd Ms. Anne Joy Machira and other KRA senior officials. KRA marks International Women’s Day for the sixth time this year, in a deliberate effort to recognize, celebrate, and acknowledge the various ways in which women make a difference in society.

KRA continues to champion gender-sensitive initiatives to ensure that all its female employees have a chance and access to various opportunities within the organization.

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