CABINET SECRETARY IN LAUNCH OF HER-VENTURE APP

Cabinet Secretary Prof Margaret Kobia today joined leading global entrepreneurs in the virtual launch of an application that will connect women businesses with partners across the globe. The App will act as an empowerment tool to support women in online learning, access to business skills and business partnerships. The App aims to ultimately expand business access and cushion women led businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, and beyond.

“HerVenture”, the app, was launched jointly by leading global courier DHL and Cherie Blair Foundation. In her contribution during the launch the Cabinet Secretary noted that the pandemic had affected women globally in that it had led to loss of incomes, and increased their work load as caregivers in the homes. Socially, the pandemic had contributed to the escalation of Gender Based Violence, particularly in intimate partner abuse. 

Prof Kobia shared Kenya’s experience and actions in mitigating the effects of the pandemic noting that the country has made institutional, policy and programmatic interventions aimed at cushioning the most vulnerable and marginalized members of the community. She underscored the importance of affirmative action funds in cushioning the effects of the pandemic on women. 

She singled out creation of partnerships between government, private sector and other stakeholders as one of the most effective ways of mitigating the effects of the pandemic. The Cabinet Secretary praised the joint launch of the App by the DHL and Cherie Blaire Foundation as one of the partnership creation strategies that has proved effective in addressing other women empowerment programs.

Other speakers during the launch included the foundation founder Cherie Blaire and the CEO of DHL Worldwide John Pearson, among others.