Accra: Dr Charity Binka, Chairperson of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Ghana Chapter, has called on women aspiring for higher leadership roles to harness determination and resilience as key drivers to achieve their goals. She emphasized the importance of rising above cultural restrictions that have historically limited women, advocating for a strong sense of purpose to overcome challenges.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Binka shared her personal experiences at a virtual graduation ceremony for the first cohort of the African Women in Global Leadership by the Africa Leaders Institute of Global Affairs (AFLIGA). She highlighted the significance of seizing opportunities to enhance personal value, recounting her own journey of speaking out and working hard despite societal expectations.
The five-week intensive training aimed to prepare young African female professionals by providing them with essential knowledge, skills, and networks to navigate leadership roles in global affairs. Dr. Binka lauded the programme's alignment with AWLN's goals and Africa's development agendas, stressing the need for ethical and transformative leadership in today's world.
Dr. Binka encouraged graduates to challenge the prevailing narrative that relegates women to follower roles, urging them to be bold and ambitious in their leadership pursuits. She highlighted the importance of qualifications in securing top leadership positions globally.
Madam Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Liberia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, also addressed the event, lamenting the underrepresentation of women in leadership despite their crucial role in societal transformation. She emphasized that leadership is a responsibility, not just a title, and called on graduates to challenge barriers and create inclusive pathways.
Dr. Joseph Atta-Mensah, Chairman of AFLIGA's Governing Council, stressed the necessity of women's involvement in leadership for effective governance and development. He noted the valuable perspectives women bring, rooted in empathy, resilience, and collaboration, which strengthen institutions and societies.
Mrs. Eva Tandoh, representing the graduates, praised the programme's impact, describing it as a transformative experience. She vowed that the cohort would be strong advocates for women's representation in decision-making, framing it as essential for sustainable progress.
Dr. Emmanuel Dei-Tumi, AFLIGA's Executive Director, reiterated the programme's importance in addressing Africa's leadership gap. By 2030, AFLIGA aims to train 54,000 young African leaders, fostering transformational leadership skills to drive the continent's development and create sustainable employment opportunities.
The AFLIGA programme is designed to equip Africa's youth and emerging leaders with the necessary mindsets, skills, and tools to effect transformative change across the continent.
