By Caleb Kuleke
Ho, Mar 8, GNA – The Ho Technical University has marked International Women’s Day on Friday with a forum on gender equitable leadership.
It was themed, “Beyond Joining the Train: Accelerating Action on Embracing Gender Equitable Leadership.”
Organised by the University’s Gender Affairs Office, the event brought together faculty, students, and professionals to discuss the need for proactive measures in fostering gender-balanced leadership in academia and beyond.
The guest speaker, Prof. Mrs. Ibok Nsa Oduro, former Provost of the College of Science at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), emphasised the importance of gender equity and the need to level the playing field for women in leadership.
She acknowledged the persistent challenges that hinder women from rising to leadership positions but urged them to push beyond these obstacles.
Prof. Oduro also commended the Vice-Chancellor of HTU for the institution’s progress in supporting women in leadership.
She praised the University’s initiatives aimed at empowering women and called for continuous efforts to ensure gender-equitable policies and structures.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga, pledged to do more to empower women in leadership, emphasizing the University’s commitment to gender equity.
“We are dedicated to fostering and nurturing an inclusive environment that not only encourages women to assume leadership positions but also equips them with the tools and resources necessary to drive innovation within their respective fields,” he stated.
Prof. Honyenuga entreated the entire university community to actively participate in initiatives that support gender-equitable leadership.
Dr. Liticia Effah-Manu, the Gender Affairs Officer, underscored the significance of this year’s theme, highlighting its alignment with an ongoing British Council project that seeks to address the underrepresentation of female STEM lecturers in leadership positions across Ghana’s 10 technical universities.
She commended the management of HTU for ensuring that women in academia are actively progressing along the journey of leadership.
To further support the theme, she highlighted key projects that women in HTU have adopted to build capacity and encourage more women into leadership roles in all areas of their lives.
Dr. Effah-Manu urged all women to unlock their full potential and not allow gender biases to hold them back.
The forum featured cultural performances by students of the HTU Basic School, adding a vibrant touch to the event. It concluded with a panel discussion, where participants shared insights on challenges and progress in gender equity.
GNA
MA/KOA