Influential female mentors have shared invaluable insights on navigating personal and professional growth, particularly aimed at empowering young women as well as inspiring and guiding the next generation of female leaders.
They included Ayesha Bedwel Ibe, Global Tax People Leader at PwC; Joycelline Quansah, Regional Talent Acquisition Manager at Nestle Central and West Africa (CWAR); and Theresa Ayoade, CEO of Charterhouse Productions, West Africa.
They made the call during the panel discussion at the Women Empowerment Series hosted by the Embassy of Denmark in collaboration with Prompt Communications in Accra on Wednesday, March 27, 2024.
Take charge
For her part, Ayesha Bedwel Ibe, Global Tax People Leader at PwC, urged young people, especially girls to take control of their lives and destinies.
She emphasised the importance of resilience in the face of challenges, highlighting the need for unwavering determination and perseverance.
“Take charge of whatever happens in your life,” she urged, assuring “know that God is with you every step of the way”.
Drawing from her own experiences, Ibe encouraged young women not to shy away from opportunities but to embrace them with thorough preparation and confidence.
“Don’t give up when challenges arise. Instead, see them as opportunities for growth and learning,” she indicated.
Right attitude
Taking her turn, Joycelline Quansah, the Regional Talent Acquisition Manager at Nestle Central and West Africa (CWAR), shared invaluable insights on the importance of cultivating the right attitude for success, particularly for young women.
She emphasised the significance of seizing internship opportunities and stepping out of comfort zones as crucial steps towards personal and professional growth.
“Internship experiences offer invaluable learning opportunities, and help individuals expand their skill sets and networks,” she stressed.
She also reiterated the importance of authenticity in career decision-making, urging young women to stay true to themselves and their values.
She emphasised the need for a well-planned strategy that integrates family considerations, allowing women to advance in their careers without compromising their roles as mothers and homemakers.
Power of dreaming
Additionally, Theresa Ayoade, CEO of Charterhouse Productions, West Africa, stressed the transformative power of dreaming and strategic planning in achieving success. She encouraged young girls to embrace their dreams, and stressed the importance of being calculated in their pursuit of success.
She reminded them of the significance of Women’s Empowerment Month, stressing the ongoing need to empower women in various aspects of life, both at home and in the workplace.
Ayoade urged the aspiring female leaders to cultivate a personal vision and to persevere in their endeavors. She cautioned against distractions from social media and advised staying true to oneself while seeking guidance from mentors along the journey.
She highlighted the importance of a can-do spirit, particularly for young girls. She encouraged expansive thinking to identify unique opportunities for personal and professional growth.
As an advocate for the Creative Arts industry in Ghana, she called for increased empowerment and support to strengthen the sector’s ecosystem and create more opportunities for creatives to thrive.
The Series
The empowerment series, organized by Kris Koney of Prompt Communications, served as a vital platform for fostering mentorship and career development for women across various fields.
Koney emphasised the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in creating a better world for all.
About The Author
