COMMONWEALTH BUSINESS WOMEN NETWORK-KENYA FILM NIGHT
Reported By
Date
Theme: Taking on the Big Boys
Film Title: Knock Down the House
The commonwealth business network Kenya, CBWN-K, held an online film night via Facebook on 7th August 2020 between 5:00 pm and 6:40 pm. The primary purpose of the film night was to increase the participation and progress of women in the creative industry. In this regard, CBWN-K intended to turn art into a profitable business venture for women in the country while also aligning the event with the group’s mission of focusing on women’s leadership and economic empowerment through the three tenets of strengthening the commonwealth, building businesses, and advancing women. The film night was facilitated by:
Hon Gladys Boss Shollei CBS, Women Representative Uasin Gishu County
Nana Wanjau Chairperson CBWN-K and CBWN coordinator in Africa
Njoki Muhoho Moderator
Mona Ombogo Co-moderator, Author and scriptwriter
The facilitators began by discussing the state of the film industry in Kenya, and the pivotal role women play in it. It was noted that up to seventy percent of film producers in the country are women. However, concern was raised over the hesitancy of locals in appreciating local content. This was especially pronounced when compared with Nigeria, which has broadcasters ensuring up to eighty percent of aired content is locally produced. Amongst the potential issues raised for the slag in Kenya included diminished quality, cost of production, and distribution breakdown.
A brief of the day’s film was given. It centered on women trying to vie for political seats in a male-dominated arena. The women in the film are significantly disadvantaged as they compete with men who are more successful business-wise and are older. Comparatively, the women are less mere workers and are young with little experience in the political field. The movie’s plot was related to the political climate in Kenya and how it is biassed against women. The guest speaker, Hon. Gladys Shollei was brought aboard to address the issue.
Hon. Shollei highlighted the challenges women face in the Kenyan political climate, including lack of experience, not coming from well-off families, and political propaganda facilitated by men during the campaign periods. These were some of the challenges she faced while running for office. However, she noted that women at the grass-root level have a unique and proper organizational network that could work to their advantage. She also stressed on the importance of family and mentorships in building influential women leaders. Addressing the 2/3 gender rule, she stressed the need for an affirmative action spanning ten years to ease women into leadership and provide a platform upon which they can favorably compete with their male counterparts.
The film night was a successful one with viewers tuning in from various parts of the world. The panelists were a great inspiration to many. They provided great intellectual insight into how to improve women’s leadership and the role other women leaders play in guaranteeing that more are empowered to take up leadership positions.