The Chief Manager, Finance, Ghana Water Limited (GWL), Dr Thomas Abobi, has encouraged the Ghana Water Ladies Association not to see itself merely as a welfare organisation or an association of female employees but as a force behind the transformation of the institution.
“See yourselves as a professional network, a leadership pipeline, a platform for mentorship, a source of innovation and a force for the institutional transformation of GWL”, he stressed.
He urged the women professionals within the institution to deliberately mentor younger colleagues to gain the needed experience to make meaningful contributions towards the growth of the utility company.
Conference
Dr Abobi made the remarks while addressing the national delegates’ conference of the Ghana Water Ladies Association in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region last Thursday.
The conference was held on the theme: “Water and Gender: Where Water Flows, Equality Grows.”
He entreated women already occupying leadership positions in GWL to help other female colleagues to develop their competence, confidence, discipline and professional exposure necessary to progress in their chosen career.
“One of the greatest measures of leadership is not simply how far you rise, but how many people rise because you helped them along the way”, he said, adding, “Who are you preparing for greater responsibility? Whose professional journey is better because you crossed her path?”
He advised younger women to be dependable, curious and willing to take on difficult assignments, develop their competence and protect their integrity, adding, “You must equally learn from your mistakes and build your professional reputation”.
He said the water sector was changing rapidly due to climate change, technology, cybersecurity, environmental degradation, urbanisation, customer expectations and financial sustainability, which were changing the competencies required of tomorrow’s leaders.
“Therefore, do not prepare only for the position you occupy today. Prepare for the responsibility you want to carry tomorrow,” he stated and further underscored the need for women to have meaningful roles in determining how water is produced, financed, protected, managed and delivered.
The Guest Speaker, Chief Manager, Land and Estate, GWL, Perpetual Asomani, expressed worry that in the next few years, there would be fewer women in the institution because at all levels, the number of women keeps dwindling.
She stated that GWL cannot boast of gender parity considering the statistics currently available and urged the women to make deliberate investment in their professional development and continuous learning.
Empower one another
The National President of the Association, Hannan A.A. Mumin, in a welcome address, entreated members to support and empower one another and create opportunities for the ladies who would come after them.
“Let us continue to build an association where every lady feels valued, supported and empowered to reach her full potential,” she said.
Writer’s email:gilbert.agbey@graphic.
com.gh
