Sitting in a room among women adorned with talent and resilience, radiating power and grace, we came together once more to commemorate International Women’s Day. Draped in hues of purple, the room echoed with laughter and shared moments of joy.

Lost in my thoughts, I gaze around the room, captivated by the beauty and strength of these women. Every year, International Women’s Day brings a fresh perspective. Yet, amidst the celebrations, my mind wanders to the recent #StopKillingWomen campaign, a reminder of the ongoing challenges women face. “She is someone!” 

My attention is turned to the session’s commencement. Two ladies, Brenda Maina and Jaynnie Mulle, take the floor, delivering a poem whose words “Dare to Dream”resonate with everyone in the room. It underscores the  importance of celebrating achievements and contributions, both historical and personal. “You definitely have accomplished and achieved something, right? Whether spoken or unspoken, give yourself credit!  You are an accomplished woman.”

But in the various spaces we, as women occupy —be it in our careers, education, marriages, or as mothers—how do we brand ourselves effectively for success?

Personal branding

“Identify your uniqueness and exploit it in service of other people.” This powerful statement set the tone for the session we had with Ms. Hannah Githuki, a true maestro in the art of Personal Branding. Drawing from her  journey, she recounted how she ascended the ladder, securing a corporate job even before completing her degree! 

All through her session, she shared nuggets of wisdom overflowing my notepad! If each nugget were to be captured in a book, it would surely be a bestseller. Her use of acronyms made it so much easier to take notes and follow through.

Picture this: you’ve discovered your niche, that sweet spot where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet. It’s a thrilling revelation, and yet in the vast expanse of the digital world, where every idea competes for attention, it’s easy to feel insignificant. Particularly as a woman, the hurdles may seem daunting. Guess what? No one cares about your dreams as much as you do.  So, forge ahead and pursue your dreams. Remember, gender should never serve as a barrier to your aspirations. For as Philippians 4:13 affirms, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  

And what about value? Your values aren’t just rules; they’re like a compass guiding you toward what matters most. Think about the story of the talents—how will you use your gifts? Remember, your worth isn’t just about what you achieve, but the legacy you leave behind.

Even with many goals, it’s vital to limit your focus which in turn, expands your reach. Be true to yourself—being unique makes a big difference.  As Colossians 3:23 advises, whatever task we undertake, let’s put our whole heart into it, as if we’re serving the Lord rather than merely human bosses.  

Let’s talk money – Intelligent Money Management

Now, shifting gears to finances, Ruth Kinyanjui walked us through the basic principles of money, inspired by the growing of potatoes. “Earning money is a piece of a larger puzzle, especially when it comes to shaping your personal brand.” Starting on the right foot involves effective self-leadership, requiring discipline. Negotiation skills are crucial too; understanding your own value helps prevent exploitation. And keeping tabs on your day to day spending is essential for financial well-being.

As you journey through life and business, remember: Maintain a clear focus while allowing your dreams to soar. Let your passion be your guide to a future where purpose and profit walk hand in hand.

To cap off the celebration, we indulged in cake-cutting festivities, raising a toast to the courage, grace, and strength embodied by women. Each attendee was gifted charming bags as a token of appreciation.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Article written by Jemmy M. Kamau