Nairobi – A growing number of Kenyan women are speaking out about the subtle yet deeply rooted expectation to maintain a cheerful demeanor in the workplace, revealing how such emotional demands contribute to wider stress, burnout, and mental health challenges. This expectation—summed up in one woman’s account as the “unspoken pressure to smile”—is increasingly being viewed as a form of emotional labor unfairly placed on women.
The pressure is embedded in gender norms that dictate women must appear friendly and approachable at all times, regardless of personal or professional challenges. While men are rarely confronted with such demands, many women say they are judged not just for their work performance but also for how they look, behave, and even emote during the day.
Recent data reveals the toll this culture is taking. A 2024 Gallup survey found that 81 percent of Kenyan workers are either actively disengaged or looking for new opportunities, citing dissatisfaction with workplace culture and conditions. Only 16 percent reported thriving at work. Another 2024 report by Cigna indicated that 84 percent of employees in Kenya are experiencing high stress levels, with a disproportionate impact on women—89 percent of women surveyed reported high stress, compared to 81 percent of men.
Beyond smiling through discomfort, women face microaggressions ranging from unsolicited comments on their attire to criticisms about behavior that would be seen as assertive or neutral in men. Many women shared stories of being told their skirt was too short or that their facial expression needed to be “softer,” especially in male-dominated environments.
The impact is further compounded by structural barriers. Women with young children are significantly less likely to secure decent employment due to the lack of accessible childcare. According to recent studies, over half of Kenyan women cite childcare responsibilities as a key factor limiting their career options.
Mental health struggles are rising across the board, with an estimated 3.7 million people in Kenya living with mental health conditions. Corporate surveys show that nearly 68 percent of mid- and senior-level managers report symptoms of burnout. Among Generation Z, the youngest segment of the workforce, high levels of anxiety and feelings of isolation have been noted.
In response to the growing crisis, the Kenyan Ministry of Health has partnered with employers and NGOs to launch mental health initiatives. These include the introduction of workplace wellness programs, employee counseling services, and mental health training for managers. Companies such as Jubilee Insurance have also begun offering mental health support services and insurance coverage options for psychological care.
However, experts argue that addressing the mental strain experienced by women will take more than programs. It requires a cultural shift that acknowledges the emotional labor women are expected to perform and challenges the underlying stereotypes.
Advocates are calling for the introduction of mandatory mental health days, expanded access to affordable childcare, gender-sensitive leadership training, and the elimination of workplace behaviors that reinforce gender bias.
While the conversation around mental health and emotional well-being is gaining ground in Kenya, many women continue to navigate a professional world where they must smile through the stress. The fight for authentic expression and equitable treatment in the workplace is far from over, but the voices pushing back are growing louder and more united.