YOUNG women have been encouraged to take charge and build their future by seizing opportunities early in life rather than waiting for later stages in order to shape their careers and achieve long-term successes.

Charlene Ruto, chief executive officer of the Young People Network International and daughter of Kenyan President William Ruto, made the call in Dar es Salaam over the weekend at the Accelerate Women’s Executive Summit 2025.

 Ruto emphasised the importance of stepping up from high school through university to build a strong foundation for success.

 “It’s crucial for young women to elevate themselves at an early age,” she said, stressing the importance of finding platforms to express their ideas and foster leadership skills.

 She highlighted that gender equality is not solely a women’s issue but involves everyone, pointing to Kenya’s efforts to create spaces for women to access digital platforms, gain experience, and step into leadership roles.

 The summit also tackled the challenge of today’s youth being labelled the “microwave generation,” where instant success is often expected.

 Ruto encouraged young women to develop resilience and long-term strategies for growth, underlining that mentorship plays a critical role in navigating leadership and entrepreneurship.

 Bernice Fernandes, CEO of Accelerate Business Group, addressed the self-doubt many women face, particularly around financial constraints and confidence.

“Platforms like this provide vital education and mentorship to help women accelerate in their careers and businesses,” she said, underscoring the importance of overcoming these barriers.

 Chinwe Esemai, CEO of Scepter3 Global Advisors, shared key factors influencing the success of female-led businesses in securing funding, including leadership ability, experience, and strong work ethic.

 She urged women aspiring to executive roles to focus on building expertise, cultivating a strong mindset, and mastering communication skills, noting that 80 percent of success lies in psychology, with the remaining 20 percent in strategy.

 Esther Maruma, a financial sector stakeholder, stressed the crucial role of banks in supporting women’s economic empowerment.

 She reiterated their commitment to not just providing financial support, but also mentorship and a thriving environment for women to succeed in businesses.

 The summit brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to advocate for greater gender inclusion, financial empowerment, and mentorship, as part of the ongoing efforts to create a future where women are at the forefront of leadership and entrepreneurship.