Dream Big for Her: Message to Younger Self
By now, it’s clear that in March, the whole world comes to a standstill just to appreciate women in all their glory, and as the month progresses, women continue to receive the full exclusive experience of appreciation.
This year, the global theme is ‘Accelerate Action’ with regard to gender equality. Various institutions have held events guided by this theme, each taking an approach that aligns with their vision.
One institution that stood out is Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH), a corporate law firm. On International Women’s Day (IWD), CDH hosted a vibrant event at the Capital Club, Westlands, Nairobi. Established women—and a few men—young and old, walked into the room exuding confidence. The word elegance paled in comparison to their presence, and to be honest, the room was nothing short of intimidating.
What stood out most was the unique angle of the celebration. It was deeply personal as it included the launch of a book titled ‘Dream Big for Her’.
“This book is not just a collection of stories—it’s mentorship in written form. It is the wisdom of 38 leaders, thinkers, and pioneers who have poured their lessons, triumphs, and reflections into these pages,” said Lydia Owuor, partner at CDH.
The 38 authors include influential women in corporate Kenya and a few male allies, each sharing their inspiring stories in just 700 words. Accompanying their stories, they included a photograph and a message to their younger selves.
“The photo I sent is the only one where I am alone. It is quite poignant for me because I am a firstborn of firstborns, trained to take care of the rest and be a good example. This photo reminds me that it is not selfish to put myself first. That is my message to my younger self and all the ladies out there,” said June Opiyo, an accomplished Advocate of the High Court and a panellist at the event.
As a way of accelerating action, CDH aims to address the challenges older women have faced, ensuring that upcoming generations do not encounter the same obstacles. It’s about clearing the path for them.
The initiative also leverages storytelling, knowledge-sharing, and leading by example to encourage the younger generation of women to embrace ambition and leadership with confidence.
On that note, as a woman, what is your message to your younger self?
