By Ewoenam Kpodo, GNA
Ho, March 07, GNA – Prof Hamidatu Saaka Darimani, the Vice-Chancellor of the Dr Hilla Limann Technical University (DHLTU), Wa, has emphasised the need for women to move beyond mere access to opportunities and strive for real-world impact.
She was giving a presentation on “Balancing the Scales from Access to Impact” at an event organised by the Gender Affairs Unit of Ho Technical University (HTU) ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day.
Prof Darimani stressed that while access was a crucial starting point, it was not enough believing, women must shape what happens inside the doors they fought to open, declaring, “There’s no force more powerful than a woman determined to succeed.”
“For generations, women fought for something many of us now take for granted – access. The doors that were once locked have now been opened… Those who enter must shape what happens inside. We cannot stop at access; we must desire real world outcomes,” Prof Darimani said.
She added:” Today, the scale is shifting. Access is no longer the finish line – it is the starting point. Let us balance the scale. Let us move from access to impact. Let us build a world where every door opened leads to progress and every person who walks through it rises.”
The first female Vice-Chancellor of DHLTU who reflected on her personal experiences in academia and leadership said while access to women’s historical challenges (education and professions) improved, challenges still remained, urging women and girls not to only have confidence but also courage to venture into any field to make impact.
She inspired young women and girls by highlighting notable women and their contributions to society to emphasise the importance of not just gaining access but also transforming spaces.
Prof Ben Honyenuga, the Vice-Chancellor, HTU underscored the importance of empowering women and creating a supportive environment for women leadership, noting the university was committed to developing gender and solution policies.
He observed that Ghana had made progress regarding women and girls, but there was more to be done and charged women and girls to strive to be stronger women who would stand out, just like Prof Darimani, a testament to women’s capabilities in leadership and innovation.
Prof Honyenuga said at HTU, they believed women could excel in labs, workshops, and beyond and called for cultivation of an environment that would nurture innovation and collaboration, honouring female voices in leadership and driving Ghana’s development
Mrs Lorlornyo Letsa, the Chairperson for the celebration said the day offered a moment of reflection to renew commitment to advancing not only opportunities for women but also transforming those opportunities into lasting impacts.
A visually impaired student of Mawuli School, Ho, recounted her fears after childbirth and the relief that came when she got scholarship to school at New Horizon E.P. Educational Centre for the Blind, saying that gave her the access she needed.
The celebration was attended by staff and students of the HTU, and learners from some first and second cycle institutions in Ho.
It featured cultural performances, with a drama staged mostly by HTU women students in engineering, emphasising that women be supported to excel in their chosen professions.
Some young women who spoke to Ghana News Agency were happy to partake in the celebration to be impacted by older women who had made their marks in their chosen fields.
International Women’s Day is celebrated every March 8 to honor women’s achievements, promote gender equality, and advocate for women’s rights.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah