The fourth edition of the What Women Want Summit concluded last weekend, after a three-day gathering that brought together influential voices from across East Africa to advance conversations on women’s leadership, empowerment, and inclusive growth.
Organised by PinkE Media in partnership with the #SheWalks platform by Johnnie Walker, the summit was held under the theme “Bold, Visionary, Capable, and Unstoppable.” It convened policymakers, entrepreneurs, creatives, and thought leaders who explored key issues shaping women’s progress, including leadership, digital transformation, and business growth.
Founder of the summit Pinky Ghelani underscored the importance of critical engagement in leadership spaces, urging participants to question prevailing narratives rather than passively accept them.
“Not every message that sounds good is good for you. Not every movement that gains momentum is aligned with the truth. That is why spaces like this matter,” she said.
The summit opened with a gala dinner presided over by Martha Koome, setting the tone for high-level dialogue, and closed with remarks from Fatuma Achani, who called for renewed commitment to the two-thirds gender rule as outlined in Kenya’s Constitution.
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Corporate partners also reaffirmed their support for women-focused initiatives. Speaking during the summit, Maureen Osoro of East African Breweries Limited highlighted the importance of creating platforms that foster connection and growth.
“Through the #SheWalks platform, we remain committed to amplifying women’s voices and creating meaningful opportunities for progress,” she said.
On the final day, Yvonne Mwangi emphasized the role of leadership in driving collective progress and opening pathways for more women to thrive.
This year’s summit saw an expansion in both participation and programming, with more speakers, deeper panel discussions, and curated engagements designed to support both professional and personal development.
Ghelani noted that organisers will continue to build on participant feedback as they prepare for the fifth edition, signaling further growth of the platform.
The What Women Want Summit has increasingly positioned itself as a leading regional forum, not only sparking dialogue but also driving tangible action toward gender equality and inclusive development across East Africa.
