Creating a New Narrative - Amb. Maryben Omollo’s Call to Empower Women Through Opportunity

Introduction

On October 10, 2023, Ambassador Maryben Omollo—an internationally acclaimed mental health and leadership coach, 17-time award-winning speaker, and founder of the Maryben Foundation—shared a powerful reflection following her participation in the North Eastern Women’s Networking Dinner in Nairobi. Sponsored by the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Foundation and USAID Kuuza, the event was a celebration of women’s entrepreneurial potential and a call to action for inclusive economic empowerment. Maryben’s message was clear: it’s time to rewrite the narrative for women and girls, especially in communities where their voices have long been silenced. Her words were not only a reflection of her personal journey but a rallying cry for collective transformation.

Girls Need Funding, Not Just Encouragement

One of the most resonant takeaways from the event was a simple but powerful phrase: “Girls need funding.” These three words echoed throughout the room, capturing a truth that is often overlooked. While motivation and mentorship are essential, Maryben emphasised that real empowerment also requires financial investment. Women are natural investors, she noted—not just in business, but in families, communities, and futures. However, without access to capital, many women are unable to turn their ideas into impact. The call to fund girls and women is not about charity—it’s about unlocking potential and fueling sustainable development.

From the Kitchen to the Boardroom

Maryben reflected on her own upbringing in a community where women were expected to be seen but not heard. Traditionally, their place was in the kitchen—not in the marketplace, the boardroom, or the political arena. But today, she stands as living proof that women belong in all these spaces and more. She believes that women don’t have to choose between roles—they can embrace them all. “Can we have it all?” she asked. “Maybe not everything, but we can have a piece of everything.” This balance, she explained, is where women’s intuition and resilience shine.

Overcoming Doubt and Defying Expectations

Maryben’s journey has not been without its challenges. She has faced scepticism, discouragement, and even outright dismissal. “I was once told I’d be useless in my community,” she shared. But today, she is helping to transform that very community through her work in mental health, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance. Despite the naysayers, she continues to rise—and she encourages other women to do the same. “We’ve all seen women being talked down to,” she said. “But isn’t it time the world embraced and supported us?”

Gratitude and Collaboration

Maryben expressed deep gratitude to Noelle Areck, the KCB Foundation, and USAID for the opportunity to speak at such a meaningful event. She acknowledged the importance of partnerships in driving change and emphasised that transformation is a collective effort. By bringing together stakeholders from across sectors, the North Eastern Women’s Networking Dinner created a platform for dialogue, inspiration, and action. It was a reminder that when women are supported, entire communities benefit.

Lessons to Learn

Maryben Omollo’s message offers several key lessons for individuals, organisations, and policymakers:

1. Empowerment requires investment: Encouragement is important, but funding is essential for real change.
2. Women belong in every space: From the kitchen to the boardroom, women have the right to lead and contribute.
3. Balance is possible: Women can pursue multiple roles and still thrive—what matters is support and flexibility.
4. Resilience is transformative: Doubt and discouragement are real, but they can be overcome with purpose and persistence.
5. Collaboration fuels progress: Change happens faster when we work together across sectors and communities.

Reflection

Ambassador Maryben Omollo’s reflections from the Biashara Africa event are more than a personal update—they are a blueprint for change. Her words challenge outdated norms, celebrate women’s potential, and call for tangible action to support female entrepreneurs and leaders. She reminds us that creating a new narrative isn’t just about telling different stories—it’s about building different systems. Systems that fund women. Systems that listen to them. Systems that make space for them at every table. As Maryben continues to lead with courage and compassion, she invites us all to join her in scripting a story of empowerment, opportunity, and lasting change.