As the world commemorates the Independent International Women’s Day (IWD), marked on March 8 every year with the sole aim of celebrating women’s economic, political and social achievements, the Kenya Forum is glad to celebrate the following Kenyan women, who in their own unique ways have made an impact to the society at large and most importantly have inspired hundreds of women and girls in the country.

Julie Gichuru

She is the beautiful news anchor on Citizen TV and also the Royal Media Services Group Digital Business

Manager and her humility in addition to be being a gem in her field of work is what sets her apart. Ask any teenager about personalities that inspire them and her name will hardly miss out.

Being happily married and a mother of five, she continues to inspire women in Kenya. Julie is currently working on growing local productions through Arimus Media Limited where she has a number of quality African shows in the works e.g. The Africa Leadership Dialogues and The Great Debaters Challenge airing on Citizen TV. She is also a recipient of Martin Luther King Salute to Greatness Award

“One of our greatest responsibilities is to mentor and teach generations that follow us.” Julie Gichuru.

Tabitha Karanja

Tabitha Karanja is the founder of Keroche Breweries and arguably the most remarkable businesswoman Kenya has ever produced. She is the first Kenyan ever to own a beer factory and she startled many people when she ventured into the industry. Her entrepreneurship skills and determination has seen Keroche Breweries turn the company from a small factory to a multibillion shilling venture with significant venture capital.

Tabitha was rated the second woman to watch in 2013 by Ventures Africa Magazine which pit her among 13 other iconic women in Africa including, among others, Malawi President Joyce Banda and Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

“We have fought countless battles and we seemed to have sunk at times, but true to the word we believed we could make it, we rose above the barricades and the story is now told of how we made it and won the war.” Tabitha Karanja

Reverend Kathy Kiuna

The Rev. Kathy Kiuna is the senior pastor at the Jubilee Christian and together with her husband, Bishop Allan Kiuna, she is listed among Kenya’s flashy pastors but that is not what puts her on this list. Hers has been a story of ‘from ashes to gold’, one that she has not been shy to talk about and which has inspired scores of people. Her mentorship programme; Daughters of Zion which has become very popular among ladies in the city has transformed the lives of many women.

“I want to see women change for good, to believe in themselves, to fulfill their destinies.” Kathy Kiuna.

Hon Linah Jebii Kilimo

Hon Linah Jebii Kilimo has not let the murky waters of politics get in her way of being a voice of reason in her society. Linah has been instrumental in working with the Government and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) towards eradicating FGM and other atrocities against the girl child.

She pushed for Kenya’s Anti FGM Bill 2011 which criminalizes FGM and her dedication saw her being appointed Chair of the Board of Kenya’s Anti FGM parastatal. She has also been active in bringing a lasting peace between the Pokot and Marakwet communities in Kenya’s Rift Valley.

Lupita Nyong’o

Christened Hollyhood’s ‘IT GIRL’, the 12 Years A Slave break out star has convinced every young person, not just in Africa, that dreams do come true. She not only became the first Kenyan to win an Oscar but her debut success and the massive global media recognition she has received has made her an A- list celebrity in the world, with top designers in the US fighting for her endorsement.

“No matter where you are from, your dreams are all valid.” Lupita Nyong’o.

Cecilia Mwangi

Cecilia Mwangi was the Miss World Kenya in 2005 and she has since then used the publicity she attained to reach out to the society. Apart from being involved in the Jigger campaign with Ahadi Kenya Trust where she is the project ambassador, Cecilia has been very active in enlightening the youths in slums on drug abuse and early pregnancies. She is also very compassionate about orphaned children.