The She Dares 2 Lead conference, held on March 1, 2025, at the ISSER Annex, Main Auditorium, University of Ghana, Legon, was an empowering one-day event that brought together emerging female leaders from diverse fields. The theme for this year’s conference, “Unlocking the Potential of Emerging Female Leaders Through Stories of Change,” provided a platform for women to share their journeys and inspire the next generation of female leaders.
Founded by Anita Nyira Bondzie, She Dares 2 Lead is an organisation dedicated to empowering young women across various educational institutions, including universities, senior high schools, and young professionals. The initiative aims to mentor and equip young women with the tools they need to succeed in leadership roles in politics, governance, education, STEM, and finance.
The event featured insightful panel discussions and stories of change from accomplished women who have successfully navigated their careers and fields. Moderated by broadcast journalists Yaa Bitha and Awura Abena Boateng, the conference welcomed a host of distinguished speakers.
Key Speakers and Insights
Mrs. Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Ghanaian lawyer and politician, currently serving as the Presidential Advisor to President John Dramani Mahama, spoke on “The Role of Women in Politics and Governance: Shattering the Glass Ceiling.” She emphasised the importance of integrity, hard work, and perseverance, urging young women to embrace leadership roles in their communities.
“Take on leadership roles in your church, school, or community. Build your network and always keep learning. No matter your background, you can achieve great things,” she said.
She also highlighted the value of learning languages, sharing her personal experience of encouraging her children to study French for its potential benefits.
Ms. Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh, founder and CEO of BrainWave AfricaTech Limited, focused on “Resilience and Innovation for Emerging Female Tech Entrepreneurs.” She shared her experiences with failure and the importance of resilience in business, stating, “You may fail, but that should not be the end. Keep working hard, build yourself, and make an impact in your community.”
Dr. Caryn Agyemang Prempeh, a biomedical scientist and daughter of the Asantehene, spoke about managing mental health challenges and excelling as a female leader. She shared her personal journey of overcoming depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic by creating Ohemaa Detergents, a business that now provides products for the less privileged.
“Use your time creatively and take up opportunities as they come,” she advised.
Mrs. Akosua Koranteng Adayi, Vice President-Administration at the Joyce Ababio College of Creative Designs, spoke on “Building Legacy and Celebrating Leadership.” She encouraged young women to seize opportunities in the creative arts and leadership roles to build a lasting legacy for themselves and their country.
Breakout Sessions
The conference also featured breakout sessions that were categorised into three key areas: Communication, Media, and Marketing, Tech, Entrepreneurship, and Finance, and Leadership, Governance, and Advocacy.
In the Communication, Media, and Marketing session, panelists included Edward Asare, a Ghanaian blogger and digital marketer, Sarfoa Boahene, media personality and winner of Ghana’s Most Beautiful 2012, and actress and entrepreneur Victoria Lebene Osafo-Nkansah. The discussion focused on the power of media in shaping the narratives of women in leadership and entrepreneurship.
The Tech, Entrepreneurship, and Finance session was highlighted by speakers such as Sarah Odei-Amoni, a STEM advocate and director at STEM Inclusion Ghana, and Kwame A.A. Opoku, an expert in Blockchain Technology. Other notable panelists included serial entrepreneur Esinam Afi Seade and software developer Zulaiha Dobia Abdullah.
The Leadership, Governance, and Advocacy session featured a diverse group of leaders including Ewura Adams Karim, a social entrepreneur, and Kezia Asiedua Sanie, a young lawyer and social entrepreneur. The session emphasised the importance of advocacy, legal empowerment, and social entrepreneurship in fostering a new generation of female leaders.
Networking and Support
Throughout the event, there were ample opportunities for networking and sharing experiences. Female students from several senior high schools in the Greater Accra region, including Accra High Senior High School and Labone Senior High School, attended the conference. Attendees were also treated to snacks, and the event facilitated valuable connections among young women and seasoned leaders.
A Call to Action
The She Dares 2 Lead conference proved to be a transformative event, inspiring young women to dare to lead, overcome obstacles, and build the legacy they desire. With leaders like Anita Nyira Bondzie at the helm, the conference continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of young female leaders across Ghana and beyond.
As Anita Nyira Bondzie says, “To pull out the best part of any activity, one must step out of their comfort zone and dare to lead.”
—
Story by: Juliana Okertchiri | univers.ug.edu.gh
