In a panel discussion on the question: “What are some of the best practices that can enable women to be successful in the working environment and the strategies to empower women”, Augustina Asare Osei, Head of Government Relations, Ghana Gas exemplified herself as one that her staff appreciates “the inclusiveness of how she operates”.
She indicated that, as head of her department she does not consider herself as a force, rather she wants people to adapt to her direction and leadership rather than merely following her instructions.
Augustina Asare Osei, further stated that “in this current dispensation not working means you are not beneficial to your husband or family. It is expected of women to be excellent wives, mothers and daughters by providing the necessary skillset, peer-to-peer mentorship and leadership.”
Referring to some of the best practices to promote work life balance, Yvonne Nyano, Network Quality and Reporting Manager for Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN), emphasized that, women should be given the opportunity to function well in the work environment.
She noted that, diversity is important so women will have minimal challenges to contribute their quota, adding that, women should be given the opportunity to advance to have the same opportunities as men.
“To demonstrate equity and inspire inclusion, my company provides day-care at work, for mothers to go breastfeed and monitor their child from time to time,” she revealed.
Contributing to the question, the Retail Director- textiles Ghana Ltd, Jessica Okwabi underscored the need to build a supportive work environment and said it is essential to change the silent culture that is developing in most organizations.
She indicated that, the biggest challenge she observed is the flow of communication throughout her investigation and observation at work places among staff and managers of an organization.
According to her, before she joined her new company the people practiced the silent culture, where people were not comfortable to speak openly but she fosters open communication or practice the open-door policy.
Jessica Okwabi revealed that, to her feedback is very important because it fosters honest environment and trust.
The Retail Director- textiles Ghana Ltd, gave these answers when she was asked about the challenges she faced as a woman in the working environment and how she dealt with it.
FEMITECH, an annual event commemorating International Women’s Day, celebrates female achievements in technology while showcasing opportunities in ICT for women. Organized by the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, the conference serves as a platform for empowering women and driving inclusivity in the technology sector.
The FEMITECH conference convened women from academia, industry, and beyond to address challenges associated with gender equality and equity. Notably, three women were honored for their contributions to promoting technology: Hon Ama Pomaa Boateng, MP for JUABEN Constituency, Ashanti Region; Madam Esther Akua Gyamfi, Executive Secretary of the National Council on Persons with Disabilities (NCPD); and Thabisile Phumo, Executive Vice President for Stakeholder Relations at Sibanye-Stillwater, South Africa.