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Women’s Health and Empowerment Take Center Stage at SHE BOLD International Women’s Day Event

     Luton Hospital, Nairobi, March 8, 2025.

 Women’s health and empowerment took center stage as the Enkare Oltau Foundation, in partnership with Luton Hospital and the Bold Phase Initiative, hosted a remarkable International Women’s Day Celebration under the theme SHE BOLD. Held at Luton Hospital, Nairobi, the event brought together medical professionals, community leaders, and women from diverse backgrounds to champion gender equity, healthcare accessibility, and economic empowerment.

The celebration aligned with the International Women’s Day 2025 theme: "Accelerate Action" which calls for urgent efforts to close gender gaps in healthcare, education, and entrepreneurship. With a strong focus on holistic healthcare and self-empowerment, the event sought to equip women with the knowledge, resources, and support systems needed to thrive.

A key concern raised during the event was the barriers preventing women from accessing quality healthcare. Speaking on the issue, Dr. Paul Koingi, a specialized obstetrician, gynecologist, and medical researcher, emphasized the critical role of accessibility in ensuring women receive the medical care they need.

“One of the biggest challenges in women’s healthcare is distance. Many women, especially those in rural and underserved areas, cannot access gynecological care, maternal health services, or preventive screenings due to logistical and infrastructural challenges,” he stated.

Dr. Koingi highlighted the importance of investing in mobile clinics, community health programs, and digital health solutions to bridge this gap. He further underscored that Christian beliefs advocate for compassion and service, principles that should guide efforts in advancing healthcare accessibility and quality for women.

Beyond healthcare, the event also focused on personal and professional growth, with a special emphasis on the power of education and digital tools. Public health expert Betty Adera delivered a compelling address urging women to take charge of their development by embracing lifelong learning and self-improvement.

“The world is evolving fast, and women must position themselves strategically. Learning new skills, leveraging digital platforms, and continuously adding value to our lives and communities are crucial for empowerment,” she remarked.

Adera emphasized the need for women to showcase their value, be intentional about their online presence, and remain mindful of what they post, comment on, or publish. She advised women to protect their character with unwavering integrity, as their reputation is a lifelong asset.

Recognizing the uncertainties of life, she urged women to build resilience by surrounding themselves with professionals, mentors, and trusted friends who can offer guidance and support. Guarding mental and emotional wellness, she noted, is essential in navigating life’s challenges and avoiding unnecessary crises.

Adera also emphasized the significance of faith in personal growth, encouraging women to keep God at the center of their lives. She highlighted that having a strong spiritual foundation can provide direction, strength, and the right connections to help them achieve their goals.

The SHE BOLD event also showcased how collaborative efforts between NGOs, healthcare institutions, and community-driven initiatives can create lasting change. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, these organizations are driving impactful initiatives to bridge the gaps in women’s healthcare, entrepreneurship, and education.

Representatives from Luton Hospital reaffirmed their commitment to providing accessible and high-quality medical services to women, ensuring that critical health issues such as maternal care, reproductive health, and nutrition are addressed. Meanwhile, the Bold Phase Initiative underscored the importance of economic empowerment programs in helping women achieve financial independence and stability.

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025, the resounding message from SHE BOLD was clear: Accelerating action for women’s health and empowerment is not just a one-day event, it is a movement that requires continuous effort from all stakeholders.

The organizers called upon policymakers, donors, businesses, and community leaders to support initiatives that provide women with healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. They emphasized that sustainable progress can only be achieved through collective responsibility and consistent investment in women’s development.

With the success of this year’s event, the Enkare Oltau Foundation and its partners expressed their commitment to expanding their programs and reaching more women in need. They pledged to continue advocating for accessible healthcare, digital literacy, economic inclusion, and personal empowerment as key pillars for advancing gender equity.

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