Aesthetic Physician Dr Arshni Malde of Tia Clinics in Nairobi at work with one of her patient/HANDOUT
Women in leadership must strive to be resilient and empower
others, the founder of Tia Clinics Dr Ashini Malde has urged as the world
marked International Women’s Day 2026.
Speaking as the global celebration highlighted the
achievements and challenges facing women, Malde said the annual event serves as
an important reminder of the transformative role women continue to play in
shaping societies and industries.
Malde noted that every year, International Women’s Day
reminds the world of the power of women to shape industries, communities and
the future.
“Women can lead, innovate, build, and disrupt industries
while simultaneously creating systems that empower others,” she said.
She added that for many women, entrepreneurship is often
framed as a balance between ambition and societal expectations, particularly in
sectors historically dominated by men.
Building a medical enterprise as a woman in a highly
competitive and traditionally male-dominated business environment, she said, is
rarely simple.
“It requires resilience, vision, and the courage to lead
differently,” Malde said.
This year’s celebration carries a special significance for
the clinic she founded, as the institution marks six years since its
establishment on the same date.
“This year, the International Women’s Day celebration
carries even deeper meaning for Tia Clinics, because its six-year anniversary
falls on the very same day. It is more than coincidence. It is a reflection of
the journey behind the clinic itself,” she said.
Malde explained that her vision for the clinic went beyond
establishing another healthcare facility. Instead, she sought to challenge
traditional models of treatment by introducing more forward-looking approaches.
Malde’s goal, she said, was far more ambitious; to challenge
outdated models of healthcare and introduce a future driven by regenerative
medicine, prevention and innovation.
“Empowering women is not just a social goal, it is a health,
economic and development imperative. When women are educated, supported and given
leadership opportunities, families become healthier, communities become
stronger and nations move forward,” she said.
She noted that when she started the clinic, many modern
medical treatments widely available in other parts of the world had yet to reach
Africa.
At the time, she saw both an opportunity and a
responsibility to expand access to advanced care and professional training
within the region.
“As a doctor, I see every day how empowering women
transforms lives. When women have access to education, healthcare, and economic
opportunities, they do not only uplift themselves — they uplift entire
communities,” Malde said.
Celebrated annually on March 8, International Women’s Day
recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women
while also drawing attention to the challenges they continue to face.