Dr. Ekrah Ndung’u Calls for Women to Embrace Their Influence as the World Marks International Women’s Day

By John Kariuki

The National Chairperson of the Kenya National Association of Private Colleges Dr. Ekrah Ndung’u has delivered a powerful message of encouragement, reflection and empowerment to women across the world as the global community marks International Women’s Day. In her message, Dr. Ndung’u called on women to pause, reflect on their journeys, appreciate their resilience and continue uplifting one another as they pursue their dreams and aspirations.

Dr. Ekrah emphasized that women possess immense strength, courage and determination, qualities that enable them to overcome life’s challenges and achieve greatness. She urged women everywhere to believe in their abilities and remain focused on their goals, noting that every woman has the capacity to achieve anything she sets her mind to.

According to Dr. Ekrah, this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the importance of women supporting, mentoring and empowering one another. She noted that when women lift each other up, they create a ripple effect that benefits families, communities and future generations.

She also reflected on the many societal expectations and stereotypes that women often face throughout their lives. Dr. Ekrah observed that women in leadership positions are frequently branded as tough or arrogant, while those who choose different paths in life are often subjected to unfair judgment.

She explained that single women are sometimes labeled as too independent or unable to sustain relationships, while married women are often told they have sacrificed their personal ambitions. Stay at home mothers, she noted, are unfairly branded as lazy or dependent, while married career women are criticized for allegedly neglecting their families.

Despite these challenges, Dr. Ekrah encouraged women to remain authentic and confident in who they are. She reminded them that it is impossible to receive universal approval from society, and that the most important thing is to live truthfully and purposefully.

Quoting renowned preacher and author T. D. Jakes, Dr. Ekrah noted that greatness often comes through perseverance and resilience, saying that great women are often molded through pain and experience. She observed that throughout history, women have continued to shine even in the face of adversity.

Dr. Ekrah also spoke about the powerful role of women as influencers in society. She reminded women that they have been central to many transformative moments in both history and faith traditions. According to her, women were among the last at the cross and the first to witness the resurrection, demonstrating their courage, loyalty and faith.

She encouraged women to use their influence positively in every role they occupy, whether as mothers, wives, professionals, leaders or friends. By doing so, she said, women can leave the world better than they found it.

Drawing inspiration from both biblical and modern examples, Dr. Ekrah urged women of faith to emulate the strength and character of the Proverbs 31 Woman, the leadership of Deborah, the courage of Esther and the loyalty of Ruth.

She also pointed to remarkable women who have shaped the world through leadership, courage and compassion, including Wangari Maathai, Angela Merkel, Michelle Obama, Winnie Mandela and Mother Teresa.

Dr. Ekrah concluded by reminding women that greatness does not require perfection but authenticity. She encouraged them to confidently take their place in spaces where decisions are made, saying women should never hesitate to pull a chair and invite themselves to the table.

Her message resonates strongly as the world celebrates women’s achievements and renews the call for gender equality, empowerment and inclusion. As Dr. Ekrah Ndung’u affirms, women possess the power to shape society, inspire change and influence generations to come.