As the World marks this year’s International Women’s Day Celebration, women have been reminded to see education as an opportune means to break barriers that they confront.
Speaking at an event organised by Takoradi Technical University’s Centre for Gender and Advocacy, CEGENDA to mark the International Women’s Day Celebration, which is on the theme; “Rising Together: Inspire Inclusion, Celebrate Equality – A Global Tribute to Women’s Day”, a former Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, Prof. Francisca Edna Edu-Buandoh, advised young ladies that one of the most important factors in breaking barriers of life and ensuring inclusion and equality is through education.
Prof. Edna Edu-Buandoh, speaking on a sub-theme, “Breaking the Glass Ceiling – Empowering Women through Education,” said education is an essential tool for breaking barriers that affect women’s attainment of societal development.
“The journey to the glass ceiling is not an easy one; it’s not rosy because there are barriers on the way. Barriers such as access to education itself, the challenge of a patriarchal society that does not see the need for a woman to attain higher education, and our attitude as girls that those who have been up there got there because they slept their way to the top – these are all barriers that affect women. If we want to reach the top, I believe we as women can intentionally work towards breaking the glass ceiling. We don’t have to let anyone tell us that we cannot get there because we are women. We have to be intentional, and a key tool that we can use to break the glass ceiling is education. Education is very, very important if you want to climb the corporate and social ladders to the peak so that we can break the glass ceiling,” she said.
Highlighting some importance of education, Prof. Buandoh said education helps boost the self-confidence of women, helps women acquire leadership skills, challenges gender roles and stereotypes, and builds networking opportunities.
“Education provides access to knowledge and skills that you need as a woman to enter the workforce. By gaining qualifications in your field as a woman, you can demonstrate competence and capabilities. Education builds confidence in women, fosters networking opportunities. Education challenges gender roles and stereotypes, and aids women to acquire leadership skills,” she mentioned.
She, however, encouraged women and young ladies who attended the event from various schools and institutions to get education and also inspire others to seek education.
Managing Director of Gaknet Mining Company Limited, Aries Yaayaa Blankson, while speaking on the theme, “Role of Women in shaping inclusion in society,” said the journey of inclusion begins from the home and is not biased to race.
“For me, gender is not equated to a woman because the impression has been created as though anytime you hear gender is about women or ladies. Gender means women, men, boys, and girls. Inclusion is addition or togetherness, and we can only begin this from the home. Because as much as I’m a professional, I’m first a mother, wife before anything else. From the home, let’s stop saying this is a male job and this is a female job. Let’s start from the home. Inclusion is also not about only race but also the background, the religion; we should include all,” she said.
She further advised against women using their bodies to get a place at the top, rather, embrace hard work, dedication, integrity, and excellence.
“One of the things I want to tell the young ones is when you have the degree and want to get out there into the field, it takes hard work, dedication, integrity, and excellence for the men to give you a place at the table. Don’t go there and use your body because if you give your body, the men will have it, and it will only be for a short time because the next girl will be on the way,” she advised.
Aries Blankson encouraged women to carry men along because men are willing and ready to support women.
The Vice Chancellor of TTU, Rev. John Frank Eshun, in his welcome address, said the university has developed programmes and initiatives aimed at addressing challenges faced by women in attaining higher education. He further mentioned that during admission for STEM programmes, the university has more focus on women.
“At Takoradi Technical University, we firmly uphold the belief that gender equality is not merely an objective but a fundamental cornerstone of our societal values. In line with this conviction, we have implemented mentorship programmes and leadership development initiatives specifically crafted to address the unique obstacles encountered by women in higher education. Proudly, Takoradi Technical University stands as a pioneer, being the first Technical University to establish a dedicated center addressing gender-related concerns, complete with policies fostering equality. Our commitment to empowering women is exemplified by our admission policy, which prioritizes females, particularly in STEM programs,” he said.
Rev. Prof. Eshun also encouraged people to fight for an environment where women and girls are free from violence and discrimination.
“Let us seize this moment to honor the extraordinary women who grace our lives and advocate for gender equality, steadfastly endeavoring to construct a world where every woman and girl can flourish, liberated from discrimination and violence,” he said.
Director for the Centre for Gender and Advocacy (CEGENDA), Prof. Abigail Padi, who facilitated the event articulated the university’s commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusivity.
She acknowledged the progress achieved while also acknowledging the persistent challenges confronting women across different spheres of society.
“At Takoradi Technical University, we do not only aim to be a world-class technical institution but also a beacon of excellence, innovation, and societal relevance. As the Director of the Centre for Gender and Advocacy, it is my utmost privilege to oversee initiatives that promote gender equality and champion inclusivity that leads to empowerment. As we commemorate this special day, we acknowledge the progress made towards gender equality, while also recognizing the challenges that still persist; from the halls of academia to the corridors of power, women continue to face systemic barriers. However, it is in the face of adversity that our resilience shines brightest, as we strive to build a more just, equitable, and inclusive world for future generations,” she said.
Prof. Padi emphasized the resilience and determination exhibited in the face of adversity, affirming the collective commitment to building a fairer and more equitable world for the next generations.
A former Head of Department of TTU, who chaired the event, Janet Edna Nyame, reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the empowerment of women and girls worldwide. She highlighted the pivotal role of International Women’s Day in acknowledging the strides made by women in various fields, including social, economic, and cultural development.
Registrar of the University, Dr. Moses Maclean Abnory, while advising young ladies and men to build healthy relationships with the opposite sex, encouraged all to come on board the soon to be launched TTU 70th Anniversary and be advocates of the anniversary.
The 2024 TTU CEGENDA organised International Women’s Day Celebration also had panel discussion and open forum sessions that offered the hundreds of patrons to be educated on various subjects and asked questions.
Director of TTU’s Internal Audit, Elizabeth Obeng, was honored with a citation by the CEGENDA as the Woman of the Year for being the only woman on the university’s management board.
In attendance were Deans, Staff, Lecturers and management of TTU, students from Adembra Senior High School, Fijiah Senior High School, Ahantaman Senior High School, ArchBishop Porters Senior High School, Officers and personnel from the Sekondi Naval Command, the Nursing and Midwifery Training College and Chiefs and Traditioanl Leaders of New Amanful community.
