The International Women in Education Conference 2025 kicked off on Thursday, November 27, at Odorkor CAC, celebrating women’s leadership, innovation, and resilience under the theme “Keep Moving.”

Organised by OUT INTERNATIONAL, the annual conference, formerly the Women in the Classroom Conference, has, since 2020, brought together educators, policymakers, and change-makers dedicated to advancing gender equality in education.

This year’s event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Keishia Thorpe, Global Teacher Prize Winner 2021 and US Teacher Hall of Fame inductee; Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Agyenim-Boateng, Vice Chairman of the Public Services Commission; Mrs Mavis Leonards, CEO of Genescis/Global Sky Limited; Chairperson for Conference of Directors of Education in Ghana. Mr Ibrahim Mumuni, Dr Afua Boatemaa Yakohene from the Legon Centre for International Affairs, and several municipal directors of education.

Notable attendees included Justine Mauda Afia A., Agnes Afra Sackitey, Princess R. Anni Idriss, Anthonia Senam Fesu, Abigail Boakye, Best Differentiated Learning Facilitator Ghana Teacher Prize 2025, Sabina Ferguson-Haizel (Ist Runner-up Ghana Teacher Prize 2025), Perpetual Andoh, and many others. The event was convened by Gyimaah Larbi.

Participants took part in panel discussions, exhibitions, workshops, and leadership sessions, all aimed at empowering women professionally and encouraging independence beyond the classroom.

Speaking on the purpose of the conference, Dr Divine Eli-Cophie, COO of OUT INTERNATIONAL, said the goal is to help teachers “move beyond static roles” and stay relevant in a fast-changing world. CEO Stella Gyimaah Larbi added that the event creates space for women to unite, collaborate, and grow holistically.

A standout moment came from Keishia Thorpe, who urged teachers to use digital technology to build their brands, share their classroom impact, and create income opportunities. “If we don’t showcase what we know, no one will know,” she emphasised.

Dr Irene Stella Agyenim-Boateng, attending the conference for the fifth time as the keynote speaker, encouraged teachers to keep advancing, networking, and becoming visible role models.

Mrs Mavis Leonards also challenged educators to earn holistically by turning their skills, like lesson notes, storytelling, reading clubs, or tutoring, into income-generating ventures, reminding them not to remain static in a rapidly evolving world.

The programme climaxed with the presentation of certificates to teachers in recognition of their outstanding work. The conference also celebrated Keishia Thorpe as the Woman of the Year for the 2025 edition, honouring the Jamaican-born US educator for her global impact and achievements.

With its inspiring conversations and practical insights, #IWIECON25 once again highlighted the powerful role women play in transforming education and strengthening communities.