Reflections from a Day of Empowerment | Celebrating 15 Years of The Standpoint

I had the privilege of attending the 15th-anniversary celebration of The Standpoint, a remarkable initiative by Oheneyere Gifty Anti that amplifies feminine voices and perspectives. From its inception, this movement has held a special place in my heart – my dad's dedication to empowering his daughters drew us to this powerful platform.

Gifty Anti's journey has been an inspiration to countless young women, including myself. So, when the Girls Excellence Movement - GEM , a foundation I'm proud to volunteer for, extended an invitation to the anniversary event, my heart knew no hesitation. I attended with the Founder and Executive Director of GEM, Juliana Ama Kplorfia. PMP. MPA. EMPA. , Belinda Mawunyo D. and Kwansima. Bridget Bonnie was present in all her glory with the 18Plus team.

Amidst the heartfelt celebrations, I gleaned some invaluable lessons that I'd love to share with you all:

1. The path to shattering glass ceilings is no easy feat. Just as the brave women of the past faced obstacles, so shall we. Remember, these barriers exist because they recognize our potential to break them down. Let's choose the path of resilience and forge ahead, even if we gather a few bruises along the way.
2. "Invest in women because they invest in everyone." This powerful insight from Melinda Gates resonates deeply. When you uplift women, you're sowing seeds of progress that benefit all. It's a reminder of the ripple effect that empowerment creates.
3. "Fiat iustitia, et pereat mundus" – "Let justice be done, though the world perish." A timeless Latin phrase that encapsulates our duty to stand against injustice wherever we find it. By speaking up, we ensure that the scales of justice remain balanced, no matter the cost.
4. Our legacy as women transcends generations. Just as my great-grandmother left her mark, I'm committed to living a life that echoes through time. Let's strive to be remembered by our great-great-grandchildren, inspiring them to embrace their paths fearlessly.
5. To all my fellow women: forgiveness is our strength. We're all human and bound to make mistakes. Embrace them, learn from them, and move forward. By doing so, we disarm anyone seeking to wield our errors against us, safeguarding our self-esteem and unwavering confidence.

At the event, I had the privilege of witnessing two enlightening panel discussions:

Senior Generation Panelists

Moderator: Eunice Dede Tornyi (Media Professional)

1. Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai (CEO of Vodafone) - She is been one of the powerhouse women in Ghana who exudes excellence in all aspects. She shared insights on diverse aspects but what was notable to me was the fact women have to consciously build capacity.

2. Rev. Akua Buabema Ofori-Boateng (Anglican Priest, Trade Advisor, Office of the USA Trade Rep, Executive Dir. Aequitas Foundation) - My initial experience with her was when she had an interview on Asaase Broadcasting Company radio and I admired her dexterity and the bravery in her voice. I began to follow her religiously on social media as I continued to find my place as a Black Woman in the Church and the Kingdom. I got the opportunity to join one of her sessions with the Fellows at the foundation through Brigitte Dzogbenuku . She spoke about how she transitioned from Mechanical Engineering to being a full time Priest and currently the First Woman in one department of the Accra Diocese.

3. Ms Adwoa Bame (Executive Director, WISE) - She highlighted the importance of knowing your purpose and what you want to do as a woman with your life and stick to it.

4. Dr Ellen Hagan (Entrepreneur/HR consultant, L’AINE Services and Legacy Girls College) - She mentioned the inspiration behind establishing Legacy Girls College and I believe we as women need to be part of the change we desire.

5. Dr. Sarah Dorgbadzi (Senior Lecture, Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ghana Legon) - The StoryTeller!!! I have resolved to follow her craft because I could sense the passion for telling the African story from the way she spoke yesterday. She recounted how her son asked her about African stories and she struggled and then decided to invest some time in documenting African and Ghanaian stories. She's a depiction of being part of the change you seek.

Younger Generation Panelists

Moderator: Nuong Faalong (Media Personality/Entrepreneur)

1. Talata Maldima-Provencal (Entrepreneur - Ambiance by Talata) - She shared how she used to and continues to derive motivation from Gifty Anti in her teenage years.

2. Maama Dzidoasi (Sub Divisional Queenmother - GBI Traditional Area) - She highlighted her contribution to her community by holding programs for women, equipping them with skills and capacity to be better people.

3. Bashiratu Kamal (Trade Unionism and Advocacy) - Chief Feminist, I stan!! She admonished every woman to marry a man who fits into her life plan. Choose the man you want not the other way round. Love is essential but shine your eyes when choosing because a wrong choice can make or unmake you.

4. Beatrice Annangfio (Lawyer/Politician) - Subtle voice but precise, concise and detailed in speech. She is one of the women politicians in Ghana that I so much admire and hope to learn from.

5. Lydia Forson (Actress/Producer/Entrepreneur) - She highlighted the fact that we should not be silent when we see any injustice going on because the tables could turn. Speak up!!

Let's shatter ceilings by embracing obstacles and investing in ourselves. Unwavering against injustice, we'll craft a legacy for generations. Remember, forgiving ourselves fuels growth. Embrace imperfections, for therein lies our exceptionalism. Challenge, change, and be the women who redefine what's possible.

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