By Rita Adu BOATENG
As I look back on my upbringing, I can’t help but reflect on how much focus was placed on educating the girl-child in my generation. Growing up, there was a widespread campaign advocating for equal educational opportunities for girls, making it clear that every girl deserved the chance to receive, at least, a secondary school education.
I still vividly recall the powerful ads on TV and radio, often sponsored by global organisations, driving home the message that action had to be taken to ensure no girl was left behind.
So, what has been the result of this affirmative action? If you ask me, the impact has been nothing short of remarkable. Over the years, we’ve witnessed a significant increase in the number of girls pursuing education up to the secondary level; and for many, this has served as the foundation for further academic and career successes.
In many parts of the world, the birth of a son is often met with enthusiastic celebrations, driven by cultural perceptions linking a male child to legacy, family name continuity and even opportunities for higher education and future careers. The question “Is it a boy or a girl?” is more than just a matter of curiosity—it often carries underlying assumptions about what the future might hold. However, while these perceptions still persist in certain areas, a remarkable shift has taken place.
The growing emphasis on educating the girl-child, alongside the rise of female trailblazers in fields traditionally dominated by men, has begun to dismantle these outdated notions. More and more women are breaking through barriers in industries such as STEM, finance, insurance, oil and gas and many others. This change is not just happening in far-off places—it’s taking root within our own communities.
I am particularly proud of women like Felicia Kuunang, a close friend and former colleague, who has become one of the latest trailblazers in the corporate world. Since joining Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited in 2007, Felicia’s journey has been one of perseverance, hard work and breaking glass ceilings.
She was the first female Brewery Manager in the company’s history in Ghana and has recently taken on an international assignment in Northen Ireland. Her success is a testament to the power of education, determination and ambition, and she’s a living example of what is possible when barriers are broken.
Of course, while these stories of female empowerment are inspiring, there is still much work to be done. Yes, we’ve made strides in educating girls and empowering women, but to fully realise the potential of every girl-child, we must continue to push for progress—particularly in bridging the gap between education and career success.
As we continue to invest in the education of girls, it’s essential that we focus on equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in the workforce. The journey doesn’t stop once a young woman leaves the classroom; the skills needed to succeed in the workplace—whether it’s in leadership, critical thinking or networking—are just as vital as academic knowledge.
Furthermore, we must also address the leadership gap that exists between entry-level positions and the C-suite. Women continue to be underrepresented in executive roles, and while the barriers to entry have lessened over time, the path to the top still presents challenges that require a focused effort to overcome.
While we can proudly celebrate the progress made in the education and empowerment of the girl-child, the work must continue. We need to ensure that every young girl not only has access to education, but also the tools and opportunities to succeed professionally.
Our next generation of female trailblazers is already rising, but it’s up to us to ensure they have the support and resources they need to soar to even greater heights. It’s crucial for us to keep pushing for change and advocating for the next generation. How can we, as a community, support and empower young females to succeed in the workplace?
Chalom Hights: Empowering the next generation of female leaders
At Chalom Hights, we are dedicated to fostering the personal and professional growth of young females. We believe that every young woman deserves the opportunity to pursue her dreams with the confidence and support she needs. Our mission is to create a nurturing environment where these individuals can access mentorship, resources and guidance that will accelerate their journey toward success.
Our approach focuses on equipping young females with essential leadership skills, career development tools and the confidence to take bold steps in their personal and professional lives. We understand that mentorship plays a key role in shaping the next generation of leaders, and that’s why our programmes pair participants with experienced professionals who provide personalised guidance. These mentors help young women navigate challenges, set meaningful goals and pursue their aspirations.
We also provide a wealth of resources—from workshops to networking opportunities—designed to empower young females at every stage of their development. These opportunities give them the tools they need to succeed not only in their educational journey but in their careers as well.
Our commitment goes beyond traditional career coaching. We aim to inspire a generation of leaders who are confident in their abilities, resilient in the face of adversity and ready to make a positive impact in their communities. With the collective strength of our mentors, partners and community members, Chalom Hights strives to be a catalyst for change, ensuring that the next generation of female leaders is prepared to excel and influence in their professional careers.
The future is bright for young females, but it’s up to us to help them rise. By continuing to invest in their education, providing mentorship and creating opportunities for leadership, we can ensure that these young women are well-equipped to become the trailblazers of tomorrow. Let’s keep pushing for progress, breaking down barriers and empowering every girl to achieve her fullest potential.
>>>the writer is a business executive with over 17 years of professional experience in Marketing, Communication and Customer Experience across FMCG, Oil and Gas and Financial Services Sector. She is the founder of Chalom Hights, a not-for-profit foundation focused on empowering female professional to achieve their full potentials and goals. She is currently the business executive for Marketing and Customer Experience for Old Mutual Ghana. She can be reached via [email protected]
