Absa Bank Kenya Leads the Way in Workplace Gender Equality Ahead of International Women’s Day
As the world prepares to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, Absa Bank Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion by bringing together women in business and its employees to celebrate the strides made toward gender equality in the workplace.
Themed #AccelerateAction, the event provided a platform for the bank to reflect on its achievements in creating an inclusive environment where female employees can thrive. Over the years, Absa Bank Kenya has been at the forefront of championing gender inclusivity, boasting a workforce where women make up 51 percent,with 47 percent occupying senior leadership and board positions.
Absa Bank Kenya Managing Director & CEO Abdi Mohamed, while addressing the gathering, underscored the importance of gender diversity, emphasizing that achieving parity is a collective responsibility beyond just leadership.
“When I reflect on this gender agenda journey, I am confident that we are on the right track towards achieving gender parity. Recently, we appointed four women to our senior leadership team, and we aim to increase female representation at the board level in the near future, which will likely lead us to a 50-50 representation on the board,” said Abdi.
He acknowledged the progress made but stressed the need for accelerated action to fully realize gender equality in the workplace.
“While I am pleased with the progress made, there is still more to be done to ensure gender equality, as we have many highly qualified women professionals in Kenya. With modernity and the available resources, we must accelerate action to achieve the 50-50 balance,” he added.
The event’s chief guest, Honourable Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch, shared her inspiring journey of pushing for legal reforms that ensured women in Kenya received basic allowances such as housing, which they were previously denied due to gender-based disparities.
“In all that you do and wherever you may be, there is always an opportunity for you to make a difference. I made a difference as a young Kenyan magistrate, and you can too, in whatever capacity you find yourself. Accelerating action merely requires us to take that first bold step,” she said.
Reaffirming the bank’s commitment to gender equity, Chief People Officer Mumbi Kahindo highlighted the broader scope of diversity and inclusion within the institution.
“We recognise that gender is just one part of the diversity and inclusion conversation that we need to have. We have other components that also need attention, which we are working to address,” she said.
As part of its ongoing efforts to ensure gender balance, Absa Bank Kenya recently appointed Mwihaki Wachira as Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Elizabeth Munga as Head of Strategy, Sophia Abdi Hassan as County Treasurer, and Anne Nyongesa as Company Secretary.
The bank views gender equality not as an abstract goal but as a crucial economic and social necessity. It remains dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, ensuring equal representation in leadership, and spearheading conversations on financial inclusion.
With continued commitment, Absa Bank Kenya aims to drive sustainable change that will benefit businesses, economies, and society at large.
By Sharon Atieno
