Mombasa, Kenya — The Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA), Ms. Benter Opande, delivered an inspiring keynote address at the 2025 Kenya Primary School Heads Association (KEPSHA) Annual General Conference held at the Sheikh Zayed Conference Centre in Mombasa.
In her address titled “Championing Women’s Leadership in Education,” Ms. Opande underscored the pivotal role women teachers play in shaping the nation’s social and educational fabric. Representing the voice of over 65% of Kenya’s teaching workforce, she emphasized that women educators are not merely instructors but nation builders, community leaders, and transformative agents nurturing the values and future of generations.
Ms. Opande called for inclusive and empathetic leadership, anchored in community and equity — qualities she described as the hallmark of women’s leadership. She advocated for greater mentorship opportunities, supportive institutional policies, and systemic reforms to ensure women educators rise to leadership positions at every level — from schools and counties to national education platforms.
Highlighting economic empowerment as a foundation for sustainable leadership, Ms. Opande encouraged women teachers and headteachers to utilize existing government affirmative action funds — including the Women Enterprise Fund, Uwezo Fund, Constituency Development Fund (CDF), Equalization Fund, and other county-based allocations — designed to uplift women, youth, and marginalized groups.
“These opportunities exist not as privileges, but as rights — ensuring women can fully participate and thrive in leadership and nation-building,” she affirmed.
As the session concluded, Ms. Opande reaffirmed KEWOTA’s unwavering commitment to championing gender equity, empowerment, and excellence in education, working in collaboration with key partners, policymakers, and stakeholders to create learning environments where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of achieving their full potential.
Warm tributes poured in for Ms. Opande, recognized for her kindness, humility, and golden heart. Many lauded her as a true example of servant leadership and prayed for her continued good health, long life, and prosperity.
“When women rise, the entire education system rises with them.”
