Accra: MTN Ghana has launched the Y'ello Ladies Network, an all-female employee group, aimed at promoting career development, professional growth, and empowerment amongst women within the company. The Network is open to all female employees regardless of their role, designation, tenure, or function.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Stephen Blewett, MTN Ghana's Chief Executive Officer, speaking during the launch in Accra, emphasised the company's commitment to gender equality and the advancement of women in the corporate sector. He stated that growing women's representation was beneficial not only for individuals but also for the business, noting that companies with at least 30 per cent female representation are better equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly changing business environment.
Mr Blewett praised the network as an inspiring initiative and urged members to use it to make a positive impact in the community. He highlighted that the initiative was not just about the individuals involved, but also about those they impact through their activities.
The network is founded on four key pillars: empowerment, inspiration, guidance, and coaching. Antoinette Kwofie, MTN Ghana's Chief Finance Officer, highlighted the importance of the Y'ello Ladies Network in promoting women's leadership and career advancement. She outlined the network's objective to create an inclusive environment that supports career development, empowers women to attain leadership roles, and encourages diversity and inclusivity within the workplace.
Mrs Joyce Bawah Mogtari, a Presidential Advisor and Special Guest of Honour, emphasised the significant role that networking played in career advancement and success. She encouraged the women to be intentional about building meaningful connections, stating that true success comes from creating opportunities for others to thrive.
Two female Board Members of MTN Ghana, Nana Ama Botchway and Rosie Ebe-Arthur, addressed the women, encouraging them to have confidence in their abilities. Janet Sunkwa-Mills, a Board Member of the Executive Women Network and Keynote Speaker, highlighted the benefits of deliberate investments in professional networks, noting that sustaining a thriving network required effort and commitment.
Dzigbordi Dosoo, Chief Executive Officer of DCG Consulting Group, discussed the importance of self-development as a foundation for coaching others. She urged the women to view coaching as a tool for navigating both professional and personal challenges.
Focusing on the inspiration pillar, Taaka Awori, Chief Executive Officer of Busara Africa, encouraged the women at MTN to seek motivation from within rather than relying solely on external validation. Ms Sika Twum, Chief Executive Officer of Self Search Ghana, emphasised the importance of guidance by highlighting the need for unity and innovation within the network.
On the topic of empowerment, Audrey Abakah, SME Lead at Absa Bank, stressed the necessity for women to take ownership of their personal growth. She pointed out that while organisations like MTN Ghana could offer support, it was essential for individuals to be proactive in seizing opportunities.
The event was attended by MTN Executives, Female Employees of MTN Ghana, Diversity and Inclusion Committee members of MTN Ghana, and Leaders of various women's associations, amongst others.
