By Gloria Adhiambo
Being a woman in a male dominated field has so many pressures to it. A woman can not be one thing i.e good at music or acting, she has to come ready, she has to be physically fit, talented and ooze sex appeal.
This has always cut across to most women in the industry not just in Kenya but around the world.
These societal pressures have led to unwanted sexual favors by men in exchange for fame and wealth that can only be enjoyed per time.
Most women are forced to give in with the promise of getting gigs, being on rotation and being featured for interviews on the various media platforms.
Cases of sexual favours have been order of the day across the creative sector globally, some are known while others are talked about in hushed tones.
Some producers and radio presenters have turned into sexual predators and are known to be behind "The Back for ground" policy at all levels of the music chain has seen female some creatives give in with hopes of rising up the ladder and making it.
It is impossible to grasp the magnitude of what these challenges have done to our female creatives until forced to confront it directly.
I have had the privilege of meeting some of these artistes who have gone through sexual harassment in order for them to have their works or music featured on various platforms.
Some women in the creative industry have been forced to shelve their dreams owing to lack of funds to either produce their music, family obligations among other things.
Other issues that have crippled the rise of female creatives is unnecessary competition and lack of mentors to walk with them as they advance in their careers.
It's time for the established female creatives to hold the hands of their younger ones and guide them through the pros and cons of the industry.
Lastly is self-sabotaging oneself because of the Imposter syndrome always looking for validation and berating your performance.
How does one make it as a woman? Focusing on your purpose and blocking out the noise. Believing in yourself and learning to pick yourself up when you fail.
As a female creative believe that you have what it takes to make it and that every opportunity you get is out of merit and not because your back was on the ground.
Temptations are there yes but be contented with that which you have and where you at, it's only a matter of time before you get to the top. Focus, Nurture and Work on Yourself because you owe it to yourself to be a better version of who you are.
Kenya has and is endowed with quite a number of female creatives who have gone through hurdles to be where they are, from hawking mitumbas, singing cover songs, doing other menial jobs just complement their music.
Artistes like Wahu, Suzanna Owiyo, Nyota Ndogo, Vivianne, Nadia Mukami are still holding forte and have shown that being a woman in the male dominated industry is still possible.
It's high time the upcoming female artistes rise up to the occasion and change the narrative by ensuring they are heard and vocal about issues affecting them.
Enough of playing the gender card, invite yourself to the table and take charge.
The writer is the co-founder and CEO at Clientele PR.
