Women in business in Nakuru have not only shattered glass ceilings but have forged a new narrative defined by vision, passion, and an unwavering commitment to transformative change.

They have boldly introduced ground breaking ideas, dismantling patriarchal norms creating fresh pathways within the business sector.

Gone are the days when women had to toil extra hard to prove their ownership capabilities, often navigating a landscape where being under the guardianship of a man was seen as a condition for competence.

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Today, a wave of women-led businesses are not only thriving but meeting adversities head-on.

Damaris Wangu, runs a fruit business catering to time-strapped office-goers, a domain where prejudice against women persists. Wangu highlights the evolving perceptions.

"People used to see it and some still are seeing it as just a woman's job. Most of them think that this was my last resort and not a business that I have actively chosen to venture into," she notes.

Wangu says that things have changed especially in accessing finances, which has been made easier as one just needs to demonstrate the ability to repay the loan promptly.

Yet, stereotypes endure, particularly for young women entrepreneurs who are often unfairly linked to a ‘sponsor' providing support.

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Abigael Irungu confronts such misconceptions with resilience, skilfully navigating assumptions about her financial backing and occasionally assuming the role of an employee to defy expectations.

Waceke Njoroge, a business woman in Nakuru.

Photo credit: MERCY KIHUGU/MTAA WANGU

Another business lady, Waceke Njoroge, sheds light on the strides made through tailor-made programs and workshops for women in business, providing knowledge, skills, and opportunities after participating in a couple of them.

However, she highlights a critical gap in the lack of follow-up to ensure the practical implementation of acquired knowledge.

This shortfall results in a slower pace of development for women-led businesses compared to their male counterparts.

Related: Biz Lounge: From almost facing closure to building one of Nakuru's top Ankara fashion brand

As we celebrate the triumphs, it's important to bridge this gap and ensure that the momentum of women in business continues sustainably, fostering a truly equitable entrepreneurial landscape.

mercykihugu@gmail.com

Biz Lounge: How women in Nakuru defy odds to run successful businesses

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Mercy Kihugu