CEGENSA Hosts Fourth Women’s Mentoring and Networking Event for Early-Career Females
The Centre for Gender Studies and Advocacy (CEGENSA) of the University of Ghana has organised the fourth edition of its Women’s Mentoring and Networking Series. The programme targeted early-career female staff recruited from 2022 onwards, within the Assistant Lecturer, Researcher, Assistant Registrar and Administrative Assistant categories. They engaged with the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo and other senior women leaders on leadership, mentorship and career development.
In her welcome remarks, the Director of CEGENSA, Prof. Deborah Atobrah, mentioned that the initiative, targeted at different categories of female staff, was introduced by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo to provide a platform for mentoring women through open conversations on their experiences, challenges and achievements. She encouraged participants to draw inspiration from the discussions.
The programme featured an inspiring panel discussion with Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor; Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, immediate past Registrar and Rev. Dr. Mrs. Bridget Ben-Naimah, Director of the Careers and Counselling Directorate. Moderated by Mrs. Sylvia Antwiwaah Sarbah, a Research Development Officer and Ms. Aba Amandzewaa Anaman, an Assistant Librarian, the panelists opened up about their journeys in work, service and life, encouraging other women to pursue their goals.
Responding to a question on her leadership journey, Professor Amfo noted that becoming Vice-Chancellor had not been a long-term ambition. She explained that her focus had always been on excelling as an academic while embracing leadership opportunities, mentorship and professional development, all of which prepared her for the role.
Drawing on her experience, Prof. Amfo spoke about participating in international leadership programmes, including the International Women's Forum Leadership Foundation Fellowship and serving on several University boards and committees, experiences she said equipped her with the skills, networks and confidence required for senior leadership.
Former Registrar, Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah, reflected on her years of service, describing the growth and success of younger administrators she had mentored as the most fulfilling aspect of her leadership. She encouraged participants to embrace mentorship and expressed hope that the University's newly introduced structured mentoring programme for administrators would continue to nurture future leaders who would surpass the achievements of those before them.
The Director of the Careers and Counselling Directorate, Rev. Dr. Mrs. Bridget Ben-Naimah, shared personal insights into her leadership journey. Reflecting on her experience as Director, she said the role had strengthened her ability to build and sustain team spirit, adding that the recognition her Directorate receives for its collective work gives her great satisfaction.
As part of the programme, CEGENSA honoured Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah for her years of distinguished service to the University.
In separate remarks, the Centre's Founding Director, Emerita Prof. Akosua Adomako Ampofo, praised Mrs. Emelia Agyei-Mensah for her professionalism, competence and dedication, while noting that her achievements demonstrate the valuable contributions women continue to make in leadership.
In her response, Mrs. Agyei-Mensah expressed appreciation for the recognition and encouraged women to continue striving for leadership positions, assuring the University community of her continued support.
Participants at the programme were treated to a comedy session by Nigerian Ghanaian female stand-up comedian Jacinta Ocansey, popularly known as Heiress Jacinta as well as a saxophone performance by Sheila Lamptey an Alumna of the Department of Music. The programme ended with an exciting dance session for all participants led by a team from the School of Performing Arts, as well as networking activities that provided participants with opportunities to interact in a relaxed atmosphere.
