UEW Lecturer Champions Inclusive Leadership at She Growth Summit 2026
Lady Edna Owusu Bempah, a lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has called for stronger collaboration between women and men in leadership roles.
She urged young people to embrace inclusive leadership that empowers women while recognising the vital role of men as partners in advancing national development.
The call was made during the She Growth Summit 2026, organised by Lady Edna Owusu Bempah in partnership with Empower Her Network and Wo' Afrique Tech Hub, held at the Students Centre Seminar Room III on Wednesday, 29th July, 2026.
Held under the theme, "Today's Woman/Girl Child and Leadership: The Place of the Man/Boy Child," the summit brought together students, academics and professionals to promote leadership, personal development and mental well-being among young women.
Lady Edna Bempah described the summit as a platform for learning, inspiration and meaningful dialogue aimed at nurturing transformative leaders. She expressed optimism that the engagements would empower participants to champion positive change in their homes, workplaces and communities through inclusive and purpose-driven leadership.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Samuel Ofori Danquah, the Interim President of the UEW Alumni Association, challenged young women to reject self-limiting beliefs and actively pursue leadership opportunities in their schools, communities and future careers.
He maintained that women possess the innate capacity to lead but are often constrained by societal expectations rather than a lack of ability. He encouraged participants to cultivate a clear vision, seek strategic mentorship, build leadership experience through service and uphold integrity as they prepare for positions of influence.
Dr. Danquah further urged the participants to become agents of change by investing in knowledge, innovation and community impact rather than conforming to limiting social norms. He stressed that effective leadership is measured by one’s ability to inspire, influence and transform society through purposeful action.
Speaking on "Leadership and Mental Health," Ms. Delight Abla Klutsey, a lecturer in Counselling Psychology, underscored the need to dismantle barriers that discourage women from aspiring to leadership while emphasising that empowering women should complement rather than compete with men's leadership.
She noted that women bring unique perspectives to decision-making and policy formulation, making their inclusion essential for balanced and responsive leadership.
"The role of the boy child is to coexist peacefully. Women are not rising to compete with men but to work alongside them, contributing their expertise and perspectives for the benefit of society," she stated.
Ms. Delight Klutsey also highlighted the relationship between leadership and mental health, explaining that the pressures associated with leadership demand resilience, emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
She advised aspiring leaders to recognise their limits, prioritise rest, delegate responsibilities, maintain integrity, embrace teamwork and build reliable support systems to safeguard their mental well-being.
According to her, sustainable leadership depends not only on competence but also on emotional stability, ethical conduct and the ability to manage stress effectively. She encouraged participants to pursue leadership positions with confidence while remaining committed to their values and personal well-being.
