When Dr. Freshia Mugo Waweru took the stage, she began with a simple observation.

“As ladies, we are naturally inclined to give. But too often, in the process of giving, we forget ourselves.”

The room fell quiet. Her words captured a truth many women recognize but rarely pause to confront. In families, workplaces, and communities, women are often the steady force behind progress, offering time, care, knowledge, and emotional support. Yet the act of giving, noble as it is, can sometimes leave little room for women to invest in themselves.

It was a fitting starting point for the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration at Strathmore University, where the theme “Give to Gain” invited participants to reflect on the deeper meaning of generosity and empowerment. As the discussion revealed, giving is not limited to material gifts. It includes the sharing of knowledge, time, attention, and opportunities, acts that often return value in unexpected ways.

A senior lecturer at Strathmore Business School, Dr. Freshia, approached the theme from a perspective that is often overlooked in conversations about empowerment. Financial agency. Rather than deliver a traditional lecture, she engaged the audience through interactive questions, inviting participants to reflect honestly on their financial habits, fears, and aspirations.

She emphasized the importance of taking control of daily finances, noting that financial stability often begins with the simple discipline of tracking income and expenditure. Many financial shocks, she explained, arise not from a lack of resources but from a lack of financial awareness.

Savings, she stressed, must also be intentional. For savings to be meaningful, they must be connected to a purpose, whether building an emergency fund, investing in a business idea, or securing long-term financial independence.

Dr. Freshia also addressed a persistent cultural misconception that financial stewardship is primarily the responsibility of men. As more women occupy leadership roles and contribute significantly to household and national economies, financial literacy and investment awareness are no longer optional.

To help demystify investment, she introduced the audience to key financial platforms available to individuals, including SACCOs, banks, and money market funds. She also explained the three pillars that underpin sound investment decisions, including return, risk, and liquidity. Understanding these factors, she noted, allows investors to make informed decisions rather than avoid opportunities out of fear.

One of the most engaging moments of the session came when participants explored the concept of “money personalities.” Through guided reflection, attendees identified their own financial behaviors, whether cautious savers, spontaneous spenders, or strategic planners. The exercise sparked lively discussion and offered participants a chance to identify areas for improvement.

Yet Dr. Freshia’s message extended beyond numbers and investment vehicles. Women, she emphasized, must also learn to invest in themselves.

This includes celebrating personal achievements, allowing moments of rest and reward, and ensuring that emotional and personal well-being are not sacrificed in the pursuit of supporting others.

“You cannot pour from an empty cup,” she reminded the audience.

Complementing the session was Eva Awino, Head of Retail Lending at Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), who provided insights into financial services available to individuals seeking to strengthen their financial planning and investment strategies. Her remarks reinforced the practical steps women can take to build sustainable financial futures.

As the session concluded, participants left with a renewed perspective on empowerment.

The message was that giving and gaining are not opposites. When women invest in their knowledge, well-being, and financial stability, they expand their capacity to contribute meaningfully to families, institutions, and society.

And perhaps that is the deeper meaning of the day’s theme: “Give with intention today. Gain with confidence tomorrow.”

Article written by Barbara Omondi