Participants and guests at the ‘ShePower’ launch
In the spirit of fostering female empowerment and inclusion at top decision-making levels, Vivo Energy Ghana has launched its latest project, ‘ShePower.’
The project, developed in collaboration with HR Focus Africa, will undertake women and girls’ focused activities with the aim of sharpening their leadership skills.
Ultimately, it seeks to promote diversity and inclusion at top management level within organisations, especially in the oil and gas industry.
Outlining the implementation plan of the project at the official launch in Accra, Corporate Communications Manager, Vivo Energy Ghana, Shirley Tony Kum, said the targeted participants include female employees as well as school going children, particularly girls.
She said the year-on-year project would have key highlights including leadership programmes, career guidance, mentorship sessions, capacity-building workshops, and counseling for participants.
“The activities are designed to address cultural, mindset, and behavioral shifts, encouraging women to believe in their ability to break the glass ceiling” she indicated.
The event coincided with the commemoration of the International Women’s Day (IWD), and was themed, “Creating a Culture of Inclusivity: Together We Rise.”
Guest speaker for the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of L’aine Service Limited, Dr. Mrs. Ellen Hagan, said women are capable of holding leadership roles however; employers often tend to see them as otherwise.
She, thus, advocated for employers to support women and give them the opportunity to lead.
She indicated that although attaining leadership position comes with sacrifices, the benefits of representation and diversity at the top management level are enormous.
“If women do not take up leadership positions how do we influence decisions and let men understand how women can do more and better”, she quizzed.
Human Resources Manager, Vivo Energy Ghana, Mrs. Mercy Amoah, said the project will bolster the presence of women in leadership positions, cultivate an inclusive and diverse work environment and empower female employees in their professional journeys.
She added that it would confront, address gender-based biases, stereotypes and obstacles that could impede the career advancement of women and establish avenues for networking and mentorship.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri