UPSA Marks 2026 International Women’s Day with Call for Skills Empowerment and Greater Visibility.
The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) commemorated the 2026 International Women’s Day with a symposium aimed at empowering students, particularly women and professionals, with essential skills and strategies to enhance their professional growth and visibility.
The event, held on Monday, February 9, 2026, was organised under the theme “Give to Gain: Empowering Skills and Elevating Visibility.” The symposium brought together faculty members, students, and professionals to discuss the importance of skills development, lifelong learning, and strategic positioning in today’s competitive professional environment.
In his welcome address, the Dean of the Faculty of Management Studies at UPSA, Dr Ernest Abraham Mensah, described the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate the courage, resilience, and determination of women and their contributions to society.
According to him, empowering women goes beyond simply giving them authority; rather, it involves nurturing and developing the potential that already exists within them.
“This occasion is a celebration of courage, resilience, and determination. When women are given opportunities and equipped with the right skills, the entire society benefits,” Dr Mensah stated. “Empowering a woman is not about giving her power, but about bringing out the power that already exists within her.”
The Programme Lead for the symposium, Dr Genevieve Sedalo, emphasised the importance of collaboration between men and women in achieving meaningful progress. She noted that both genders must work together to create opportunities that enable women to thrive in their careers.
“Men are partners in progress. If we want women to succeed and reach their full potential, we must deliberately support and create opportunities that allow them to excel,” she said.
As part of the symposium, Dr Yaa Amponsah Twumasi delivered a presentation on transferable skills, highlighting their significance in helping individuals adapt and succeed in diverse professional environments.
She identified several critical skills necessary for success in the modern workplace. These included cognitive mastery, which involves analytical and creative thinking, as well as adaptability, effective communication, digital fluency, emotional intelligence, and continuous learning.
Dr Twumasi explained that these competencies are essential for women who seek to remain relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing global landscape.
“As women, your growth is not determined by the role you currently occupy but by your commitment to continuous learning,” she advised.
Also speaking at the event, Dr Gifty Enyonam Ketemepi encouraged students to deliberately build their visibility and develop strong personal brands. She explained that visibility goes beyond simply being present; it involves strategic positioning that enhances credibility and opens doors to new opportunities.
“Visibility is a strategic positioning. It builds trust, attracts opportunities, and shapes perception,” she noted. “It is not enough to possess these 21st-century skills; you must also ensure that the world recognises your abilities and talents.”
She further encouraged students to take ownership of their personal and professional development, reminding them that they have the potential to influence their future paths.
“You are not just students; you are strategists responsible for shaping your own success,” she added.
The symposium also featured a panel discussion involving faculty members and professionals who shared insights on professional development, mentorship, and leadership for women. Panelists included Dr Eunice Afetsi, Dr Timothy Kwabla Zilevu, Dr Leeford Ameyibor, and Mrs Caroline Ahorkonu.
Through their contributions, the panelists highlighted the importance of mentorship, leadership opportunities, and supportive networks in helping women achieve success in their professional careers.
The event formed part of UPSA’s ongoing efforts to promote gender inclusion, leadership development, and skills empowerment within the university community. By organising such initiatives, the University continues to encourage students—especially women—to develop the skills and confidence required to excel in both academic and professional environments.