Women Hosted in Mind the Gap Event in Nairobi

The third edition of Mind the Gap, an intergenerational dialogue series founded and hosted by media personality Pinky Ghelani, took place on Saturday evening at Trademark Suites. The event, supported by the Johnnie Walker SheWalks platform, brought together women from diverse professional fields to discuss the evolving relationship between generations, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the future of women in the workplace. This year’s theme, “A Live Conversation on the Generation Gap, AI and the Future of Us,” explored how technology and shifting cultural norms continue to reshape workplaces and leadership. In a first-of-its-kind moment in Kenya, the event featured PYNQ, a fully vocal AI voicebot that opened the session by introducing panelists and moderating part of the discussion. The integration of AI into the program highlighted the growing intersection between technology, gender inclusion, and the future of work. Key Themes Discussed 1. AI & the Future of Work Panelists examined the rapid adoption of AI across industries, outlining both opportunities and concerns: • AI is increasingly used for document generation, workflow efficiency, and decision support. • Speakers emphasised the need for tech literacy across all generations to avoid widening digital gaps. • The discussion stressed the importance of preparing young people to build AI systems, not just use them. • Concerns were raised about overreliance on AI and the continued need for human judgment, ethics, and critical thinking. 2. Generational Differences in the Workplace The conversation revealed significant shifts in communication styles, expectations,and values: • Gen Z prioritises autonomy, mental wellness, and fluid communication. • Millennials navigate ambition, burnout, and rapid social change. • Gen X and Boomers bring structure, discipline, and leadership experience. • Panelists agreed that learning is now bidirectional, with each generation offering valuable insights. 3. Leadership, Empowerment & Culture Speakers highlighted evolving leadership priorities for women: • Leaders must articulate clear visions and expectations. • Workplaces that foster psychological safety and autonomy enable women to thrive. • Mentorship today flows across all age groups, supporting more collaborative career development. Panelists The discussion featured leaders from technology, digital strategy, esports, media, and child advocacy, including: • Waithera Kabiru – African Digital Hub Lead, Diageo; Founder, DigiTribe; global marketing juror. • Sylvia Gathoni (QueenArrow) – Professional esports athlete; Tekken 8 competitor; Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. • Nabwirwa Wandera – Business and technology analyst. • Jennifer Kaberia – Founder, Mtoto News; advocate for children’s voices in media and policy. • Betty W Kyalo – Governance and emerging tech specialist. Mind the Gap 2025 marked an important moment for intergenerational dialogue in Kenya, particularly as workplaces adapt to technological transformation. By incorporating AI onstage and convening diverse viewpoints, the event underscored the need for cross-generational collaboration, digital readiness, and inclusive leadership. For the SheWalks platform, the event reinforced its commitment to empowering women and elevating conversations that shape the future of work and society.