This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
On September 27, 2019, the Making Global Goals Local Business Forum (MGGLB) brought together business leaders to discuss the importance of supporting women's empowerment in the corporate world.
Professor Githu Muigai, a renowned expert, emphasized the need for businesses to prioritize women's empowerment, stating that the entry of women into the workplace has enriched society.
He urged businesses to support women as nurturers, highlighting that this is a necessary price to pay for their growth and development.
“Business and social leaders need to lead the conversation on non-discrimination on sexuality and rights of their workforce in order to support diversity,” said the former Attorney General.
The forum aimed to accelerate progress on the SDGs, particularly Gender Equality (SDG 5) and Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), at the national level.
UNDP Kenya Resident Representative Mr. Walid Badawi noted the importance of driving action for SDGs and Young Business Leaders as a catalyst to sustainable economic development.
“Unleashing the full potential of women and girls could add more than $12 Trillion to global GDP,” said Badawi.
Addressing Sexual Harassment ¶
With the gender gap projected to take 135 years to achieve equity, Ms. Banu Khan, UN Women Programme Analyst on Women’s Economic Empowerment, stressed the need for businesses to speak about sexual harassment when discussing the SDGs.
She highlighted that sexual harassment is a pervasive issue, with 8 out of 10 women experiencing it in their lifetime, yet only 1 in 10 report it.
Simon Odhiambo, General Manager Corporate Affairs at Kakuzi Plc, emphasized the importance of respecting human rights and promoting a safe work environment, citing the company's Sexual Harassment Awareness Reporting and Prevention Program (SHARP).
As part of the Making Global Goals Local Business campaign, Global Compact Network Kenya recognized four young professionals for their innovative approaches to advancing the SDGs in their companies.
