The Ghana Employers’ Association (GEA) has emphasized the need for an inclusive workplace culture that supports women’s advancement, urging organizations to collaborate in fostering equitable opportunities.
Mrs. Victoria Hajar, Second Vice President of the GEA, highlighted the importance of shared values, behaviors, and norms within workplaces to enable women to thrive. Speaking at the GEA’s International Women’s Day celebration, she called for collective efforts across sectors to promote gender equality in professional spaces.
“The theme of this year’s celebration, Accelerating Action Through the Power of Collective Effort, underscores our belief that meaningful progress cannot be achieved in isolation. We must work together to close the gender gap and empower women in every sphere,” Mrs. Hajar stated in a speech read on her behalf.
Mrs. Hajar spotlighted the Female Future Programme (FFP), one of the GEA’s transformative initiatives launched in 2019 in collaboration with the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise. The program equips women with leadership skills, professional networks, and confidence to assume executive roles.
“Since its inception, the programme has trained over 275 women, many of whom now hold executive positions, serve on corporate boards, and drive meaningful change in their industries,” she noted.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the GEA is preparing to host its fourth annual leadership conference in May, providing a platform for discussions on governance and leadership while equipping more female professionals for top-tier roles.
Despite notable strides in women’s corporate leadership, the 2024 World Diversity Index indicates a pressing need for sustained efforts. Mrs. Hajar stressed the necessity of mentorship, support, and investment in women’s professional growth while actively dismantling systemic barriers.
“We must cultivate environments where success is determined by talent, not gender,” she urged. “It is imperative that we turn our commitments into tangible actions by quickening the pace and ensuring every woman has the opportunity to lead and excel.”
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Margaret Ivy Gyan, former Acting Director of the School of Communication Studies at the University of Ghana, advocated for equal participation of women in leadership, both in politics and corporate spaces. She lauded Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang for her historic election as Ghana’s first female Vice President, noting that her achievement serves as an inspiration to women and girls nationwide.
Madam Joyce Asiedu-Ofei, President of the FFP Ghana Alumni, reinforced the value of supportive networks among women, stating, “Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other successful women who recognize her worth.”
The event concluded with a call to action for both corporate and governmental institutions to implement policies that drive gender equality and create a more inclusive future for all.
