Today the 8th of March is International Women’s Day. A day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
International Women’s Day seeks to raise awareness about women’s equality, lobby for affirmative action in gender parity and also fundraise for female-focused charities.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is #breakthebias. Gender bias is one, if not the main, cause of gender disparities. Bias works as a roadblock against women in whatever field they endeavour. From fields in STEM to even careers in IT or Gaming, sexism is still a prejudice which pervades many aspects of our everyday life.
Centering on Ghana, there are women in various fields of endeavour who are striving to not only break the bias but empower other women to build and enhance our society.
Here are 10 exemplary Ghanaian women who are breaking the bias of gender roles.
Dr. Leticia Obeng – Scientist
Dr. Leticia Obeng is a Zoologist and Ghana’s first female scientist.
Mary Spio – Engineering
Mary Spio is a deep space engineer and also the CEO of CEEK Virtual Reality.
Veronica Bekoe – Biological Science/Inventor
Veronica Bekoe is a Biological scientist. She is famous for Inventing the Veronica Bucket.
Peace Hyde – Education Activist and Entrepreneur
Peace Hyde is the founder of Aim High Africa and the Head of Digital Media and Partnership at Forbes Africa. She is also the Executive Producer Of Netflix’s Young, Famous and African.
Lucy Quist – Telecommunications
Lucy Quist is a business and electrical engineer, a leadership expert and a published author. She was the former CEO of AirtelTigo and is currently Managing Director of Morgan Stanley.
Dentaa – Media
Akosua Dentaa Amoateng is an internationally recognised media personality, producer and entreprernuer.
Yaa Gyasi – Arts and Literature
Yaa Gyasi is an award-winning author. Her debut novel Homegoing garnered her the American National Book Critics Circle’s John Leonard Award.
Valentina Mintah – Business and Commerce
Valentina Mintah is an internationally recognized expert in trade and business process automation. She is the first black woman to hold the position as an African female global board executive at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
Patience Akyianu – General Insurance
Patience Akyianu is a business leadership expert. Her portfolio includes managing roles in Barclays Ghana and Ecobank Ghana. She is the current Managing Direcor of Hollard Insurance.
Elshaddai Acheampong – Sports
Elshaddai Acheampong is a women’s football champion. She scored a whopping 39 goals in 9 matches in the Karela Women’s League in India.
