Executive Women Network launches in Accra

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April 20, 2016 8:12 AM

The EWN, an idea conceived through a conversation between six of the topmost female business leaders in Ghana, now called the BIG SIX, addresses pertinent issues pertaining to women, the economy and men.

Executive Women Network, A non-governmental group that helps propel women to take up higher opportunities in the topmost levels of corporate governance has been launched in Accra.

Addressing the gathering at the launch, a colourful ceremony at the Labadi Beach Hotel, Tuesday night, MD for Unilever Ghana Maidie Arkutu, one of the BIG SIX, said the greater purpose of the network and its many events will provide unique opportunities for women to gather together and the community at large and incubate great ideas and relationships, but the EWN has a greater purpose.

“ We are a force multiplier when we are together. We have the power to influence real change for women in our community, to give opportunities to future women leaders, to change the composition of boardrooms, to influence government policies and to change the landscape of what is possible for us to achieve.”

The Executive Women Network was conceived, as narrated by the Big Six, comprising of Maidie Arkutu, MD of Unilever Ghana, Freda Duplan, MD for Nestle Ghana, Edith Dankwa, CEO Business and Financial Times, Lucy Quist, MD for Airtel Ghana and Pearl Esua-Mensah, Founder and CEO of Feniks Limited, at a dinner one night discussing common issues when they had an “aha moment”.

They felt that with their influence, they can collectively be a force for good. A decision was made to form a networking group.

Just as has been instilled from the beginning, EWN will be a volunteer-based organization, funded largely by donations and contributions by members and participants.

Guest speaker for the night, CEO of Stratcom Africa, Esther Cobbah charged women not to be held back by socio-economic bottlenecks inherent in Ghana’s society.

She emphasized the need for humility, a strong belief in the grace of God, and the determination to excel.

“The entrepreneurial abilities of women in Ghana are inclined in our traditions today. Women are wired to be great entrepreneurs in all the roles they are expected to take up.”

She added that “ The appointment of Victoria Kwakwah to a top job at the World Bank, and Yvonne Tsikata’s appointment as chief of staff of the UN Secretary General, and now show that if women are given the chance they can make it.”

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