Plan International Presents – She Leads Intergenerational Dialogue

“We need women at all levels, including the top, to change the dynamic, reshape the conversation, to make sure women’s voices are heard and heeded, not overlooked and ignored.” ― Sheryl Sandberg

Although we are slowly starting to see a shift in the way the world looks at and appreciates women, the road to true gender equality remains long.

When in doubt, lean on other strong women for encouragement and work towards and hope that brighter days are indeed ahead.

It is with this intent that “She Leads” (a media campaign under Plan International set to increase sustained influence of Girls and Young Women (GYW) on decision-making and the transformation of gender norms in formal and informal institution) presented the Intergenerational Dialogue on November 1st, 2022.

On one side of the round table discussions were accomplished women in varied fields who have also sought to better the lot of women; On the other side we had aspiring young women of  “She Leads” youth advocacies.

The speakers; Nana Oye Bampoe Addo – a Ghanaian Barrister and Politician and Former Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection. Angela Dwamena-Aboagye – Executive Director, the Ark Foundation. Patricia Blankson Akakpo, Programme Manager – Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT). Also there was Theresa Ayoade, CEO of Charterhouse Productions Ltd as well as Dorcas Coker-Appiah; Executive Director of Gender Studies & Human Rights Documentation Centre

Speaking on the topic, “Harnessing the leadership Potential of Girls and Young Women; the role of female leaders/activists” – What support female leaders can give to GYW to succeed in their leadership drive, Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo mentioned that, young women needed to plan before they act.

“Preparation alone is more than 70% of success. Whatever task you have ahead of you, rise up to the occasion and prepare. People will have confidence in you once you are prepared and organized”.

On the issue of breaking biases, Mrs. Theresa Ayoade encouraged the young women to stop seeing themselves as just females, but as human beings. She said “In other to succeed in whatever field you choose, you must stop seeing yourselves as just females, see yourselves as human beings who have been put on this earth with a purpose. Be intentional about being a human being and occupy your space”

Speaking on the role of Female leaders, Madam Patricia Blankson Akakpo encouraged the female leaders to make themselves available to the younger generation. “I think we have to continue to create spaces for younger female leaders to be able to lead”

On the issue of what is expected of young leaders, Madam Angela Dwamena-Aboagye listed some important attributes of a leader. “Leaders are readers. Leaders are dreamers. Leaders are seers. Leaders are builders. Leaders are knitters. Leaders are shakers. Leaders are doers. Leaders are servers”. She also urged them to know who they are and what their convictions are and stand by them.

All 5 speakers reiterated the importance of getting a mentor in your field of advocacy to help steer them on the right path. What run through their presentations however, is the need for strong conviction, being intentional and disciplined.

The She Leads program is a Five-year strategic partnership between Terre des Hommes, Plan International, Defense for Children/ECPAT, African Women’s Development and Communication Network (FEMNET) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

“You cannot control the family you were born into or the circumstances of your life, but you can control your future” – Mrs. Theresa Ayoade.