Chiggai: Economic hardship no excuse for neglecting children

Jukwaa

📻 Breaking It Down

Speaking at the Women Achievers Africa Conference and Awards (WAWCA 2026) in Nairobi on Wednesday, Chiggai said while families face mounting financial pressures, parents remain the primary architects of their children’s values, character and future.

“Nobody will parent your child for you. Economic pressures and career demands are no excuse to abandon your parental responsibility. Children absorb what they see at home, and we must be intentionally present in their lives,” she said.

Chiggai underscored the importance of active parenting by both mothers and fathers, saying young people thrive when they are raised in supportive homes with positive role models.

📌 What You Need to Know

“The young boys need the masculinity of their fathers,” she said, urging men to play a more active role alongside mothers in nurturing and mentoring their children.

Beyond parenting, Chiggai encouraged women to reject societal stereotypes that discourage them from pursuing leadership, saying personal circumstances such as divorce should never define their potential.

“Don’t shy away from taking leadership positions because you are divorced. You have no apology to give,” she told delegates.

She also challenged established women leaders to deliberately mentor the next generation, describing mentorship as a responsibility rather than an act of goodwill.

“Mentorship is not an act of kindness. It is your responsibility to shape other women. Name who you are mentoring and create networks that turn into continental movements,” she said.

Quoting celebrated American poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, Chiggai urged African women to embrace their resilience and work collectively to drive lasting social and economic transformation across the continent.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya

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