A select group of eight Kenyan women, all holding managerial positions in co-operatives, embarked on an enriching journey to Canada as part of the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada’s Women’s Mentorship Program. The initiative is designed to bolster women’s leadership roles within the Kenyan co-operative movement by providing them with a thorough leadership and managerial skillset, as well as cultivating a worldwide network. This network aims to facilitate sustainable growth and encourage innovation within their respective organizations and broader communities.
Participants will undergo a comprehensive one-month-long training program, which includes both theoretical classroom instructions in Ottawa, Canada, and practical observations within Canadian Credit Unions. This blend of learning methods is intended to arm the participants with both the knowledge and the hands-on experience needed to make significant strides in their careers.
Since its launch in 2002, the Women’s Mentorship Program has seen 43 Kenyan women participate in this esteemed initiative. All of them have returned to Kenya as transformative figures, spearheading pivotal projects and promoting sustainable development in their communities through their Savings and Credit Co-operatives (Saccos).
Patrick Kilemi, the Principal Secretary State Department of Co-operatives, praised the program, highlighting its role in advocating for diversity and inclusion within the financial sector. He emphasized the importance of such training in uplifting women in the co-operative domain, making the industry more equitable and representative.
