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SheKnows Debuts as a Leadership Platform for Senior Women
SheKnows, a newly launched global digital platform, is designed to empower senior women leaders with the tools, guidance, and influence needed to navigate pivotal career moments and ascend to the highest levels of business and decision-making.
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The launch comes at a time when organisations worldwide — particularly in Africa — are under increasing pressure to improve governance, accelerate transformation, and champion more diverse leadership amidst economic uncertainty.
Beyond Mentorship: Intelligence and Influence for Leaders
SheKnows positions itself well beyond traditional “women empowerment” or mentorship initiatives. Its mission is to create real opportunities for women to confidently progress through major career transitions — whether returning from maternity leave, moving from long-held roles, or stepping into new leadership challenges.
“Leadership today is not just about having a seat at the table; it is about shaping the decisions that define industries and economies,” said Amnah Ajmal, founder and CEO of SheKnows. “By connecting senior women with global leaders through private one-on-one sessions, we enable them to move more confidently through life’s most defining career transitions.”
Growth Navigators: Real-World Leaders, Real-World Guidance
At the heart of SheKnows are its Growth Navigators — global leaders from the highest circles of influence, both women and men, who share real-world experience and insights.
Participants gain access to personalised guidance with hands-on problem-solving recommendations tailored to their unique leadership challenges. The platform removes geographical barriers, enabling leaders from any location to connect with Growth Navigators from regions including South Africa, the UAE, Qatar, Malaysia, the U.S., the UK, Poland, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Turkey.
Amnah Ajmal, Founder of SheKnows
“Empowering women is the catalyst for global change. Each empowered sister sends ripples that transform communities and illuminate our future. With the launch of SheKnows, we celebrate the strength of women everywhere. Together, we rise!,” said Amadou Diallo, CEO of Aramex Group and a Growth Navigator at SheKnows.
Closing the Influence Gap in Leadership
While female participation in the workforce continues to grow across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), progress into executive and board-level roles remains uneven. SheKnows aims to address this by connecting women with a curated network of C-suite leaders to drive actionable outcomes and expand real influence.
Developed with a strong regional lens, the platform reflects the evolving realities of doing business across African markets such as Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa — where volatility, regulatory shifts, and market complexity demand resilient and informed leadership.
Supporting Strategic Decisions Across Industries
SheKnows integrates perspectives from multiple sectors — including hospitality, logistics, financial services, and technology — aligning with rapid technological change and the accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across industries.
The platform offers tailored intelligence, peer-level engagement, and leadership tools designed for those operating in complex, high-growth environments.
Rollout and Expansion Plans
SheKnows will open its platform globally in 2026, with plans to continually expand its roster of Growth Navigators and further enhance its leadership support offerings.
The launch reflects a broader shift in leadership development: from access to influence, from presence to impact, and from representation to real decision-making power at the top.
Gender Diversity Snapshot in Africa
Despite progress, women continue to be underrepresented in senior leadership across key African markets:
- Africa board seats: Women hold only around 14%.
- Kenya: Women hold ~32% of CEO roles but just 21% of board chair positions.
- Nigeria: Women occupy 31% of board seats, yet few CEOs are women.
- South Africa: ~38% female board representation, but only ~10% are CEOs.
Research by McKinsey & Company shows that companies with gender-diverse executive teams are 25% more likely to outperform financially, underscoring the business case for inclusion.
