Standard Group CEO Marion Gathoga-Mwangi has officially taken over as the patron of the Standard Group Women Network (SGWN), pledging to champion gender equality and female empowerment within the organisation.

Speaking at the handover event on Friday, March 14, Gathoga-Mwangi credited her late grandmother—a formidable matriarch who commanded respect in her village—for shaping her leadership style.

“My grandmother was a very strong woman with two husbands. When she entered a room and cleared her throat, men would listen. Her decision was final,” she said.

Inspired by her grandmother’s authority, Gathoga said she aspired to be a woman whose voice carried weight.

The CEO also shared how her childhood fascination with airplanes fueled her ambition to travel the world.

“Living in Aberdare, I’d see planes fly over our village. Being young and naïve, my parents told me it was to deliver food to the borders. Having dinner at 7pm, I wondered what time they were going to eat. I said one day I will fly, and make my village proud. And I did, because I globetrot, and as women don’t just dream, do it,” said Ms Gathoga.

She takes over from former CEO Orlando Lyomu, who left as the company faced financial challenges.

The Standard Group Women Network (SGWN) was launched in October 2018 under the theme Her Standards to promote the welfare of female employees, amplify their voices, and foster leadership and mentorship opportunities.

Former network president Queenter Mbori exited in 2023, and was succeeded by Fathiya Nur, who has also since left. Ms Betty Njeru, the Radar editor, is currently serving as acting president.

The network aims to provide women with a platform to connect, share experiences, and address barriers such as unconscious bias and limited access to senior mentors.

Gathoga-Mwangi urged women to embrace their leadership potential without feeling the need to change their demeanor.

“I think leading men and women is difficult. You don’t need to change your voice or the way you speak; just make your point confidently and own it. Don’t imitate somebody else,” she advised the Network members.

She encouraged women to build bridges, not ladders—noting that success should be about lifting others rather than creating obstacles. “Support other women. There’s enough space for everyone in leadership. No one can take away what is meant for you,” she said.

Plans for a prayer room

One of her first initiatives as patron will be establishing a prayer room for employees of all faiths.

“I met a lady looking for a room to pray and I realised we don’t have a designated prayer space, and that was embarrassing. We have so many rooms in this building—I will ensure we set one aside for prayer. These are some of the things I want to do

She noted that this would be particularly important for Muslim employees during Ramadan.

As she steps into her new role, the new patron reaffirmed her commitment to mentoring women, advocating for work-life balance, and ensuring inclusivity at Standard Group.