The UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC), in collaboration with the British High Commission, has hosted its second consecutive International Women’s Day Networking Brunch.

The event, sponsored by British Airways and hosted at the British High Commissioner’s residence on Friday, 14 March, was themed, “Enhancing Women’s Leadership and Representation in Decision-Making Across Industries.”

The objective of the event was to promote actionable strategies that empower women to thrive in leadership positions, while also acknowledging the crucial role men play as allies in this transformative journey.

Speaking in an interview at the event, the Executive Director of the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce,. Adjoba Kyiamah emphasised the importance of organising events like this to uplift women and, most importantly, to reaffirm their commitment to breaking down the barriers women face globally.

"We collaborated with the Human Development Team at the British High Commission to discuss the need to accelerate change and advance the cause of women."

"Business challenges do not discriminate based on gender. Our annual business climate and competitiveness survey, which we have been running since 2019, consistently shows the same issues—access to finance, government bureaucracy, tax frustrations, and electricity challenges, whether it's the cost or access to power. These are the same challenges faced by female business owners, and that is why we are here."

Addressing the gathering comprising business leaders and executives, representatives from government and policymaking bodies, civil society and non-profit organisations, young professionals and university students, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, called for bold and immediate action to eliminate the barriers women face in their pursuit of leadership roles across various sectors.

She emphasised that this year's International Women's Day (IWD) theme, "Accelerate Action," is more than just a slogan and is indeed a call to dismantle these barriers more swiftly and effectively.

While acknowledging the progress made over the years with the celebration of IWD and advancements across industries, Her Excellency pointed out that women still encounter significant obstacles in securing leadership positions.

Although the High Commissioner stressed that addressing these challenges requires urgent, collaborative efforts, she remained optimistic that the presence of attendees “signals a shared commitment to advancing gender equality in each of our spheres, no matter what that might be, the workplace, the boardroom and beyond.”

The highlight of the event was a panel discussion, moderated by Her Excellency, which focused on practical solutions to empowering women to excel in leadership roles.

The panel identified key factors for success, including self-belief, mentorship, sponsorship, taking risks, advocating for women’s issues, reducing over-reliance on others, and being intentional in life and career decisions.

The panellists were Ellen Sarfo Kantanka, Head of Legal (Total Energies Ghana); Mukesh Thakwani, (CEO, B5 Plus Group); Emmanuel Osei Ntim, General Manager (The Fon Group); Julia Baidoe-Ansah Creative Director, (Efatabyjuba Clothing Brand); Melissa Bediako, Director of Sales and Marketing, (Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra), and Jessie Jacintho, General Counsel, (GCB Bank PLC).