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EMPOWERING CHANGE: CANCHAM AND JOY BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY DIALOGUE

International Women’s Day is dedicated to honor the economic, social, cultural, and political achievements of women globally. This year’s theme, “INSPIRE INCLUSION,” highlights the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for women. In collaboration with Joy Business, the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce had a dialogue on the theme “Creating a conducive environment for women within organizations and institutions to foster growth”. At the studio were; Mrs. Linda Vasnani, COO of Consolidated Shipping Agencies Limited (CONSHIP) and Vice President of CANCHAM; Madam Shika Acolatse, Country Director of Enablis Ghana; and Mrs. Selasi Addam, Assistant Director of Career Services at Ashesi University. Madam Shika Acolatse spoke about her organization’s mentoring programs designed to empower women in entrepreneurship. She also mentioned that employers should consider equal salary structure for both men and women for equal work done to help support women and to inspire inclusion. Mrs. Selasi Addam shared Ashesi University’s initiatives of placing women in leadership roles. She also mentioned that some of the young women in her department are tasked to organize events to help build their confidence through participation. Mrs. Linda Vasnani stressed that women are not in competition with men but on the contrary, we need each other. She highlighted Conship’s efforts to consciously train women for managerial positions to inspire inclusion. In line with inspiring inclusion, she urged policy makers to consider the evolving phases of women (child birth and menopause) in making decisions at the workplace. Mrs. Vasnani finally encouraged women to celebrate their achievements. In conclusion all three panelists expressed their enthusiasm for promoting gender equality to inspire inclusion. The dialogue was moderated by Emma Davis from Joy Business News and Kayla Geraldo from Black History Festival.