UEW Gender Directorate Hosts Leadership Seminar to Promote Inclusive Leadership

Opening the seminar, Mrs. Wilhelmina Tete-Mensah, Acting Registrar, described leadership as “impact” rather than position, emphasising the importance of solving problems and moving institutions forward. She said the programme reflected UEW’s long-standing commitment to gender responsiveness and inclusivity. “Effective leadership is not confined to one gender. It takes a collective responsibility requiring the active participation and engagement of both men and women,” she noted.

Mrs. Wilhelmina Tete-Mensah expressed hope that the seminar would not be a one-off event but would be sustained to assess the University’s progress in mainstreaming gender over the years.

According to her, UEW has consistently sought to dismantle barriers, encourage mentorship and inspire new pathways for both men and women on their leadership journeys. “This is particularly important for us as females because the playing field from the beginning has not been even. There is a need for us to always continue to put interventions in place until the gaps are bridged,” she stressed.

Prof. Imurana Awaisu Braimah, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Jobson Mitchual, chaired the programme. In his remarks, Prof. Braimah reiterated the University’s commitment to gender equity which he described as a “core value” of UEW. He explained that leadership is a journey that requires resilience and preparation and highlighted the barriers, social constructs and institutional biases that continue to impede gender parity.

“There is no country that will ever develop when one side is promoted against the other,” he said, adding that gender issues should not be misconstrued as antagonism between men and women but rather as a drive to ensure equity and equality. He encouraged participants to internalise the lessons from the seminar and leave “well-prepared and well-equipped to promote issues of gender” in their own spheres of influence.

The seminar featured two main presentations by Prof. Esther Yeboah Danso-Wiredu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Prof. Victor Antwi, Immediate Past Pro-Vice-Chancellor, who both shared deeply personal leadership journeys to illustrate the principles of service, resilience and inclusivity.

Prof. Esther Danso-Wiredu recounted her rise from modest beginnings, overcoming early hardships as a student and supporting her single mother by selling goods. She detailed her educational path from St. Rose’s Senior High School to the University of Ghana and later postgraduate studies in Norway and Belgium. Rising through the ranks at UEW from examinations officer to head of department, vice dean and director before her appointment as Pro-Vice-Chancellor, she emphasised that leadership is about sharing tasks, setting targets and respecting everyone irrespective of their position.

She urged participants, particularly women, not to be swayed by challenges or gossip but to remain focused and disciplined. “Leadership is a privilege to serve, mentor and inspire others,” she said, adding that success requires resilience, teamwork and a vision anchored in integrity.

Prof. Antwi used his presentation to underscore the critical role of men as allies in advancing women’s leadership. Drawing from his own experience of mentoring and supporting his wife to become an Associate Professor in Guidance and Counselling, he said leadership should not be seen as a male preserve. “Men must open doors, mentor women and advocate for equitable policies,” he stated.

He highlighted milestones at UEW such as the appointment of the first substantive female Pro-Vice-Chancellor and the incoming female Registrar as evidence of progress made possible by both capable women and supportive men. “Leadership is not about titles but about service, influence and nurturing others’ potential. Our task is not to dominate but to steward, not to compete but to co-create,” Prof. Antwi said, stressing that inclusivity benefits the entire institution.

The seminar also provided an interactive platform for participants to engage with the presenters, ask questions and share their own leadership aspirations. The lively discussions reflected a shared commitment to transforming leadership cultures within the University and beyond.

Ms. Patricia Kaitoo, Director of GMD, expressed appreciation to the speakers, chairperson and participants for their active contributions. She urged attendees to translate the insights gained into practical actions in their workplaces and communities.

Participants left the programme inspired by the lived experiences and practical strategies shared, reaffirming UEW’s vision of producing leaders, both men and women who embody service, integrity and a commitment to equity.