IWD 2026: Nairobi Serena Hotel Hosts the Nobel Women’s Initiative
In anticipation of International Women’s Day on March 8th, Nairobi Serena Hotel had the distinct honor of hosting the Nobel Women’s Initiative. This significant gathering brought together global icons of peace and justice, aligning powerfully with this year’s IWD theme: “Give to Gain”.
General Manager Anthony Chege, alongside the women of Nairobi Serena Hotel, welcomed a prestigious delegation of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates to celebrate their tireless work in human rights and global peace.
Celebrating Living Legends
The event highlighted the extraordinary journeys of three trailblazing laureates:
- Leymah Gbowee (Liberia, 2011): Honored for leading the non-violent women’s movement that played a pivotal role in ending Liberia’s civil war.
- Oleksandra Matviichuk (Ukraine, 2022): Recognized for her courageous work documenting war crimes and defending human rights through the Center for Civil Liberties.
- Shirin Ebadi (Iran, 2003): The first female judge in Iran’s history, celebrated for her pioneering advocacy for democracy and the rights of women, children, and refugees.
Honoring a Kenyan Icon
The gathering also served as a poignant tribute to the legacy of the late Prof. Wangari Maathai (Kenya, 2004). As the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, her work with the Green Belt Movement famously linked environmental conservation with democracy and women’s empowerment. She was represented at the event by her daughter, Wanjira Maathai.
Unity, Dignity, and Hope
Hosted amid complex global sensitivities, the Nobel Women’s Initiative at Nairobi Serena Hotel was a moment defined by unity and dignity. It served as a reminder that the path to peace is paved by the resilience and leadership of women worldwide.
As we approach International Women’s Day, we remain inspired by these leaders who continue to “Give to Gain” for a more just and equitable world.
