By Evans ADU-GYAMFI
It was Elizabeth Cady Stanton who said that “The best protection any woman can have is courage”. She was right! Because courage, determination, and action—these are the driving forces behind this year’s International Women’s Day theme: “Accelerate Action.” As the world turns its attention to gender equality, the call to accelerate action is not just about fairness; it is about economic progress, social stability, and a future where everyone thrives.
March 08 was International Women’s Day 2025; a moment to reflect on the progress made toward gender equality and the urgent steps needed to drive further change. Across industries, investing in women has proven to be a catalyst for societal transformation, fostering growth in education, leadership, and economic empowerment.
One sector where this progress is evident is higher education and librarianship. To explore these advancements, we spotlight Mrs. Francisca Yaba Asante, the Ag. University Librarian of Central University, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping the institution’s library systems across its three campuses—Miotso, Christ Temple, and Kumasi. Currently pursuing her PhD at the University of South Africa, Mrs. Asante’s career journey exemplifies resilience, leadership, and the impact of empowering women.
Higher education has undergone a significant shift over the years, with more women gaining access to academic and leadership positions. According to Mrs. Asante, there has been a remarkable increase in female enrollment in universities worldwide. “At Central University, female students outnumber their male counterparts, 54% percent in favour of females at the last count” she notes. “This is proof that when women are given the opportunity, they will rise to the occasion. The challenge now is ensuring that these young women continue to climb the academic and professional ladder.”
Women are also making strides in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), fields traditionally dominated by men. Targeted initiatives encouraging STEM education for women have led to greater participation, paving the way for careers in science and technology. “We need to create a culture where young girls believe they belong in every field, including STEM. This is why mentorship is critical—if they see women excelling in these spaces, they will aspire to do the same,” she emphasizes.
Leadership roles in academia have seen notable improvements, yet challenges remain. Women are increasingly stepping into influential positions such as Vice Chancellors, Registrars, Directors, and Deans. “Let me mention with pride, the story of Mrs. Lily Nutakor who is currently the Registrar of Central University; an achievement we find both inspirational and historic: She’s the first woman to occupy that high office after 25 years of the University’s establishment”.
Other distinguished female leaders in the Higher Education Institution (HEI) space include: Professor Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology; Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana; and Professor Lydia Aziato, Vice Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, among others. Clearly, these women exemplify the potential that can be unlocked when institutions invest in women and accelerate action toward gender parity.
Librarianship, a field where women have traditionally been well represented, continues to evolve with women taking on leadership roles. Notable figures such as Dr. Helena Asamoah-Hassan, the Executive Director of the African Library and Information Associations and Institutions, and Mrs. Matilda Amissah-Arthur, an esteemed librarian and wife of the former Vice President of Ghana, have paved the way for many. Within the Ghana Library Association, women such as Professor Perpetual Dadzie and Ms. Comfort Asare have held key leadership positions, advocating for inclusivity and professional development.
Mrs. Asante admits, that “despite these achievements, women remain underrepresented in senior academic positions and continue to face challenges such as gender bias, limited mentorship opportunities, and the difficulty of balancing professional and personal responsibilities”.
At Central University, however, it is refreshing to observe women occupy a number of the key management positions at faculty and administration levels, demonstrating the institution’s commitment to gender inclusivity. Even so, the broader landscape still sees women battling unconscious biases that hinder career progression, especially in leadership spaces traditionally dominated by men.
“In many workplaces, there is an unspoken expectation that women should ‘prove’ themselves more than men to be considered for leadership roles,” Mrs. Asante observes. “I have had to work twice as hard, remain focused, and be intentional about learning and growing in my field. The truth is, women can lead and lead excellently.”
In librarianship, where women form the majority of the workforce, breaking into top-tier leadership roles remains a challenge. Many female librarians struggle to access professional development programs that are essential for career growth, while technological advancements require continuous learning and adaptation. To address these issues, institutions like Central University must take deliberate action by implementing gender-inclusive policies, mentorship programs, and leadership training initiatives that help women advance in their careers.
Mrs. Asante’s own journey is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and determination. “I never set out to become a librarian,” she admits. “During my National Service, I was discovered by Mr. Samuel Nii Bekoe, the then Western Regional Librarian, who saw something in me that I hadn’t seen in myself. He encouraged me to pursue a Diploma in Librarianship at the University of Ghana, and that changed my life.”
“From there, her career flourished. After completing her National Service at Alpha Beta Education Centre, she joined the Central University Library, where she steadily rose through the ranks to become the University Librarian. Balancing school, work, family life, leadership responsibilities, and active church participation has not been easy. However, Mrs. Asante attributes her success to perseverance, strategic planning, and unwavering faith in God—values that align with Central University’s commitment to Integrity, Faith, and Excellence.”
“I have learned that you cannot do everything at once, but you can do everything with time, discipline, and the right support system,” she shares. “Women need to prioritize personal growth and be intentional about setting career goals. We cannot wait for opportunities to come to us—we must create them.”
For young women aspiring to leadership positions, Mrs. Asante emphasizes the importance of confidence, mentorship, and continuous learning. “Find a mentor, build a strong network, and never stop learning,” she advises. “Most importantly, believe in yourself. Your gender should never be a limitation.”
Technology has revolutionized education, making learning materials accessible to more women than ever before. Digital libraries, online courses, and virtual mentorship programs have provided flexible learning options, particularly for women in remote or underserved areas. Access to information empowers women, enabling them to pursue careers, make informed decisions, and connect with global networks. “We must continue investing in digital resources to ensure that no woman is left behind,” she states.
The theme of International Women’s Day 2025, “Accelerate Action” highlights the urgency of taking decisive steps toward gender equality. Investing in women is not merely about fairness—it is about unlocking potential and driving meaningful progress. To truly accelerate action, institutions must implement inclusive policies, establish mentorship programs, provide financial and professional support for women-led initiatives, and create safe and inclusive work environments where women can thrive.
As Mrs. Asante’s journey illustrates, investing in women is an investment in progress. “When you invest in a woman, you invest in a whole community,” she affirms. “Empowered women change the world, and it is time we act, not just talk about change.”
By providing women with the resources, support, and opportunities they need, we can build a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality.
