By Alex Njeru
The Tharaka Nithi County Government is hosting a two-day Third International Women’s Economic Empowerment Conference at Chuka University, bringing together leading scholars, policymakers, development partners and stakeholders to explore practical strategies for advancing women’s economic inclusion.
Held under the theme “Evidence Based Solutions to Transformative Actions: Initiatives for What Works for Women’s Economic Empowerment,” the conference seeks to strengthen collaboration and generate actionable solutions to challenges affecting women’s participation in economic activities, with a special focus on childcare interventions and structural barriers.
The event has been organized by the Kenyatta University Women’s Economic Empowerment Hub in collaboration with the Tharaka Nithi County Government, reinforcing ongoing efforts to promote gender-responsive development policies and research-driven solutions at both county and national levels.
Key partners supporting the initiative include the Gates Foundation, Yale University, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Bangor University, IWU St. Augustine Campus and the ECD Network for Kenya.
The conference was officially opened by Chief Guest Dr. Ruda Ban of the Gates Foundation, who emphasized the importance of evidence-based approaches in addressing gender inequality and improving women’s economic opportunities.
He was accompanied by Tharaka Nithi Deputy Governor Nyaga Muisrael, Prof. Henry Mutembei and Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, among other distinguished guests.
Speakers at the forum highlighted the need for stronger investment in women-led enterprises, improved access to financial services and supportive childcare systems to enhance productivity and reduce socio-economic barriers facing women.
The conference is expected to produce key policy recommendations that will guide future interventions aimed at advancing women’s economic empowerment in Kenya and beyond
