Rewriting the 'Self' Narrative - Amb. Maryben Omollo’s Call to Empower Women Across Africa

Introduction

On September 13, 2024, 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 on the importance of women’s empowerment. Her message, inspired by a recent engagement with the Graça Machel Trust’s Women Creating Wealth programme, was a bold call to action for families, institutions, and governments to support women in every sphere of life. Maryben’s words were not just a commentary on gender inequality—they were a declaration of strength, resilience, and the untapped potential of women across Africa.

The Echo of Limiting Beliefs

Maryben began her reflection by confronting a painful but familiar phrase: “You’re just a woman; there’s nothing you can do. Sending you to school is a waste of money.” These words, she noted, have echoed across generations and geographies, silencing the dreams of countless girls. She referenced a harrowing reality reported by BBC News—where in some parts of India, baby girls are discarded or killed at birth due to the perceived financial burden of dowries. This, she emphasized, is not just a cultural issue—it’s a global crisis rooted in systemic gender bias.

A Conversation That Sparked Hope

Despite these grim realities, Maryben found hope in her recent engagement with the Graça Machel Trust’s Women Creating Wealth initiative. Speaking to a vibrant network of over 3,500 women from across Africa, she witnessed firsthand the brilliance, resourcefulness, and determination that women bring to every aspect of life. The conversation was a celebration of women’s capacity to lead, innovate, and uplift communities. It was also a reminder that when women are given the tools and opportunities to thrive, they become unstoppable forces of change.

Challenging Stereotypes in the Workplace

Maryben addressed a common stereotype: that women bring “issues” into the workplace. She firmly rejected this notion, highlighting instead the unique strengths women contribute to professional environments.

According to her, women are:

1. Strategic thinkers, offering depth and insight in decision-making.
2. Resilient, balancing personal and professional responsibilities with grace.
3. Collaborative leaders, who build strong teams and foster inclusive cultures.
4. Detail-oriented, ensuring efficiency and excellence in execution.
5. Compassionate, creating workplaces that are empathetic and human-centered.

Far from being a liability, Maryben argued, women are among the most valuable assets in any organization or business.

A Call to Action for Inclusive Empowerment

Maryben’s message was not just reflective—it was prescriptive. She outlined four key areas where support for women must be strengthened:

1. Inclusive Policies: Governments and organizations must implement policies that ensure equal access to leadership roles and decision-making spaces for women.
2. Mentorship Programs: Young women need guidance and role models to help them navigate the challenges of career development and entrepreneurship.
3. Financial Support: Women-led businesses and initiatives require funding to scale and succeed. Access to capital is essential for economic empowerment.
4. Educational Opportunities: Upskilling and capacity-building programs must be made accessible to women across all sectors to ensure long-term growth and sustainability.

Maryben urged all stakeholders—families, institutions, and governments—to work together to ensure that no woman is ever told, “You can’t do this.” Because, as she powerfully stated, “We can, and we will.”

Lessons to Learn

Maryben Omollo’s message offers several key lessons for individuals and institutions alike:

1. Words matter: Harmful narratives can limit potential, but empowering language can inspire transformation.
2. Women are not a burden—they are a solution: When supported, women uplift families, communities, and economies.
3. Stereotypes must be dismantled: Women bring unique strengths to every space they occupy.
4. Empowerment requires action: Real change comes from inclusive policies, mentorship, funding, and education.
5. Unity is strength: A collective approach to empowerment creates lasting impact.

Reflection

Ambassador Maryben Omollo’s reflection is a powerful reminder that the fight for gender equality is far from over—but it is winnable. Her voice, shaped by personal experience and professional insight, challenges us to rethink outdated beliefs and to invest in the future of women. She reminds us that empowerment is not just about giving women a seat at the table—it’s about recognizing that they’ve always belonged there. It’s about creating systems that support their growth, amplify their voices, and celebrate their contributions. As Maryben continues to lead and inspire, she invites us all to be part of a new narrative—one where every girl is told, “You can do this,” and every woman is given the tools to thrive.