KWAL's Women Chat Lounge Unveiled

To mark International Women's day 2020, KWAL unveiled a women empowerment program dubbed KWAL Women Chat Lounge. This is a quarterly program that seeks to bring together all KWAL female employees in catch up sessions to discuss issues pertaining to their growth and development in the work place. To commemorate and sustain the conversation the program will be integrated with other HR led initiatives such as training to gain useful skills, mentorship and coaching opportunities, reviewing of some internal Policies and provision of a Crèche facility at the KWAL Headquarters in Nairobi.This is a first for KWAL, one of the foremost manufacturers of wine and spirits in the country, reinforcing its commitment to champion for women inclusivity in the Boardroom, factory floors, and trade corridors. Globally, to mark international women's day the U.N Women released a report that flagged the lack of effective action to boost women's representation at the tables of power 25 Years after the Beijing Platform for Action. In their press statement, U.N Women's Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka stated that across the board men are 75 per cent of parliamentarians, hold 73 per cent of managerial positions, are 70 per cent of climate negotiators and almost all of the peacemakers. Despite the unprecedented global challenges, the report also proves that positive change is possible, being one of the reasons KWAL pioneered the Women Chat Lounge program to provide an environment that promotes the development of women in order to harness the gender diversity not only in the organisation but also in the individual lives of the female employees.All KWAL Women were sensitised ahead of the event to attend and participate in the program, with those from the Depots across the country facilitated to get to Nairobi where the first session was held at Tamarind Tree Hotel. Further highlighting the fact that Women Rights and inclusivity is not a domestic affair but a business issue key in achieving sustainable economic progression.At the inaugural event, the KWAL female staff were inspired to change the narrative on the commitments that make them shy away from achieving their full potential and scaling up in their careers and leadership positions. This was articulated by the first speaker, Human Development Expert and Executive Coach Sarah Richson, who noted that commitments such as children should be the reason motivating women to achieve more and not the reason why they shy away from opportunities to learn, develop and scale up to the next level. This message was further stressed by the second key note speech delivered by Mwikali Muthiani Managing Director at MillennialHR Consultancy firm who gave a thought provoking address regarding work - life integration.The insights shared by the speakers at the unveil event were informed through a focus group discussion by a select committee from within KWAL that included both men and women across different age groups and grades. Other speakers were Leadership & Personal Development Coach Mercy Achola and KWAL MD Lina Githuka who attributed her career progression to passion for her work, hard work and the support she has received in her previous engagements that invested in the prosperity of women. After the key note address, renowned Communicator Cynthia Nyamai who was the master of ceremony moderated a question and answer session that gave an opportunity of direct engagement between the invited guests and speakers in relation to the day's agenda.During the session 5 female staff nominated from the Security, Winery and Production Departments were awarded and recognised for their contribution at their work spaces ordinarily dominated by men.  Leadership & Personal Development Coach Mercy Achola volunteered to offer free mentorship for the nominated staff members and promised additional slots for 5 lucky staff members who were present at the event. A select committee comprising of female staff across various age groups and functions within KWAL was also officially introduced. The committee's task is to identify and raise issues affecting female employees to be addressed during the upcoming quarterly forums.After the unveil program, dinner and dessert was served followed by a dance and networking session.