The picturesque coastline of Mombasa played host to a groundbreaking moment in healthcare leadership as 80 passionate professionals gathered at the Whitesands Sarova Hotel for the first dissemination workshop of 2025 under the Women in Healthcare Leadership Project. Against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, a wave of change swept through as discussions centred on amplifying women’s voices, dismantling systemic barriers, and shaping a future where gender equity in healthcare leadership is not just an aspiration but a reality.
The workshop kicked off with a warm welcome from Dr. Angela Ndunge of Strathmore University Business School and Dr. Tim Theuri of the Kenya Healthcare Federation. Their opening remarks set the tone for a transformative conversation—one that delved deep into the challenges, triumphs, and future of women in leadership within healthcare systems.
A powerful interactive session on the project’s findings led by Dr. Benson Mutuku sparked critical conversations around the persistent gender disparities in leadership. With engaging discussions on the leaky pipeline phenomenon, glass ceilings, and the labyrinth that women must navigate, Dr. Mutuku challenged participants to rethink how leadership opportunities are structured. He emphasized that true progress requires more than policy commitments—it demands systemic transformation.
The highlight of the day came in the form of an electrifying keynote address by Dr. Nelly Bosire, whose words resonated deeply with the audience. “Culturally, women aren’t raised to make decisions—they’re often raised to consult,” she asserted, urging the attendees to challenge long-held societal norms that stifle women’s leadership. Her speech underscored the necessity of mentorship, resilience, and intentional action in shaping future women leaders. “For women to win, men don’t have to lose,” she reminded the audience, dismantling the outdated notion that gender equality comes at the expense of men.
The workshop also explored mentorship and building networks, with speakers emphasizing that women must actively seek out mentorship while organizations need to create enabling environments. Participants reflected on how societal expectations often discourage women from pursuing leadership roles, reinforcing the importance of changing mindsets from an early age. The discussion on the Boys’ Club phenomenon was particularly eye-opening, revealing the subtle yet powerful ways in which informal male networks continue to shape leadership trajectories.
A significant takeaway from the day was the urgent need for inclusive policies that go beyond tokenism. As one participant put it, “Women don’t just need seats at the table; they need their voices to matter.” The call to action was clear; women in leadership should use their influence to uplift others, ensuring that the next generation of female leaders does not have to fight the same battles.
The dissemination workshop was more than a conversation; it was a movement in action. As the sun set over the Mombasa coastline, one thing was evident: the momentum for gender equity in healthcare leadership is stronger than ever. With a collective commitment to mentorship, policy change, and leadership transformation, the future of healthcare leadership is being reshaped, one powerful voice at a time.
Article by: Judith Adhiambo Amolo
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