Female Professionals in various sectors across the world have been empowered with skills, confidence and fresh perspectives to add more value to themselves and their organizations.

This is an initiative by the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

The Office has introduced the “Gender Smart Leadership Course for Female Professionals” to build a female professional community, elevate work growth impact and confidence to create change.

This is a four-day interactive and intensive online course open to staff and non -staff of the institution worldwide.

Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and technology, Professor Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, believes the course is crucial in bridging the gender gap and nurturing female leaders.

“The intent of this initiative is clear: to guide, to inspire, and to empower. When we say "empower," in this context, we are referring to improved confidence to ensure that every woman recognizes her worth, stands firm in her beliefs, and makes her voice heard and keeps that hand raised and that chin up confidently,” she said.

The course, facilitated by the KNUST E-Learning Centre, has modules which include: Conversational Mastery, Leadership Skills Development, Preparing for Leadership Roles, Networking, Mentorship and Growth.

Speaking coach, Jacqui Harper facilitated a topic on conversational mastery.

She expressed positivity about helping build confidence at work through conversations with self and others.

“The bigger purpose is for you to get more opportunities to progress. This will also serve your organization which will grow and develop as you do.

“We will also turn to the realm of emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to manage our own emotions and to understand the emotions of people around us. There are five clear elements. That is self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills,” she explained.

Leadership Skills Development was the conversation for the second day of the course.

This was facilitated by Expert in Virtual and Hybrid Leadership, Dr. Penny Pullan.

“What are the steps in becoming a better leader in this new world? It starts with self. It is deciding to step up. It is deciding to be a step up to be a leader. Knowing yourself, what are your preferences? How do you work best? Think about the other people you are leading or working with."

Certificates were issued to participants upon completion of the 4-day programme.

Participants say they have built awareness of decision-making biases, how to negotiate win-win outcomes, manage crises, and create an authentic leadership style.