Successful Ghanaian women inspire next generation of female leaders
Ghanaian girls met with successful female leaders, who discussed and shared their experiences.
Girls meeting some successful female leaders at an event organised by Plan International Ghana.
Ghanian girls met with 5 successful Ghanian female leaders at an event. The women shared their experiences with the girls, to inspire the next generation of future female leaders.
Successful women inspire future leaders
Speakers at the event included:
- Nana Oye Bampoe Addo: a barrister, politician and former Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection
- Angela Dwamena-Aboagye: Executive Director, the Ark Foundation
- Patricia Blankson Akakpo: Programme Manager at Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana
- Theresa Ayoade: CEO of Charterhouse Productions Ltd
- Dorcas Coker-Appiah: Executive Director of Gender Studies & Human Rights Documentation Centre.
Keys to success
Speaking on the need for planning ahead, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, said, “Preparation alone is more than 70% of success. Whatever task you have ahead of you, rise to the occasion and prepare. People will have confidence in you once you are prepared and organised.”
On the issue of breaking biases, Theresa Ayoade encouraged the young women not to be held back by their gender. She said, “To succeed in whatever field you choose, you must stop seeing yourselves as just females, see yourselves as human beings who have been put on this earth with a purpose. Be intentional about being a human being and occupy your space.”
Speaking on the role of female leaders, Patricia Blankson Akakpo encouraged the female leaders to make themselves available to the younger generation. She said, “I think we have to continue to create spaces for younger female leaders to be able to lead.”
On the issue of what is expected of young leaders, Angela Dwamena-Aboagye listed some important attributes of a leader. She said, “Leaders are readers. Leaders are dreamers. Leaders are seers. Leaders are builders. Leaders are knitters. Leaders are shakers. Leaders are doers. Leaders are servers.”
All 5 speakers reiterated the importance of having a mentor to help steer them on the right path. Other common pointers for success were having a strong conviction, being intentional and disciplined. “You cannot control the family you were born into or the circumstances of your life, but you can control your future,” said Theresa Ayoade.
This event was organised by Plan International as part of the She Leads project. The objective of the She Leads project is to support girls and young women to become leaders and participate meaningfully in decision making.
Youth empowerment, girls’ leadership
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