Shimei Solutions has held the 7th edition of the INCLUDEHer Conference (IHC) alongside the 2nd SHIMEI Star Influential Awards at Silverbird Cinemas, as part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026.
The event was organised under the theme, “Include Her: Her Rights. Her Voice. Our Action. Driving Inclusion and Equity Through Cultural Diplomacy, Media and the Social Environment.”
Bringing together speakers from a wide range of sectors, the conference focused on conversations around empowerment, leadership, mental well-being and the importance of representation.
It was held in collaboration with Global Media Alliance, International Relations and Diplomacy Network Ghana and Silverbird Cinemas Ghana, attracting leaders, advocates and professionals committed to advancing women’s empowerment.
Delivering the keynote address, political economist Lord Mawuko-Yevugah, who is also convener of the International Relations and Diplomacy Network Ghana and a professor at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, called for renewed focus on the structural barriers affecting girls’ education.
He noted that while initiatives such as the Free Senior High School policy have improved access to education, persistent challenges—including inadequate sanitary facilities in some schools—continue to hinder the full participation of female students.
Founder of the SHIMEI Star Influential Awards and convener of the INCLUDEHer Conference, Samantha Wuta-Ofei, says the initiative was created to recognise individuals making meaningful contributions to society while creating opportunities for women to thrive.
According to her, the awards go beyond celebration, shining a spotlight on leaders who use their platforms to uplift others—particularly women and young girls.
“Our goal is to keep building a space where excellence, leadership and empowerment are recognised and encouraged,” she said.
She emphasised that the awards honour individuals and organisations making an impact across leadership, business, media and community development, while also promoting gender equality.
Chief Executive Officer of Global Media Alliance, Ernest Boateng, said the organisation’s partnership with the INCLUDEHer Conference and SHIMEI Star Influential Awards is aimed at amplifying the visibility of women in leadership and those driving innovation and change.
He noted that such platforms not only recognise the contributions of women but also inspire younger generations to follow in their footsteps and make an impact.
Among the standout moments of the event, Salomé Azevedo, Managing Director of Nestlé Ghana, was named Shimei Woman of the Year 2026. Sustainability advocate Nabeela Abubakari received the Shimei Sustainability Award 2026.
Public relations professional and founder of Women in PR Ghana, Faith Ocloo, was honoured as Shimei PR Professional of the Year 2026. Meanwhile, Edith Dankwa, Chief Executive Officer of the Business and Financial Times, picked up the SHIMEI Executive Leader of the Year Award 2026.
Actress Juliet Ibrahim also received a Special Recognition Award for her contributions to the film industry over the past two decades.
Among the male honourees, media personality Bola Ray was named Man of the Year 2026 in recognition of his efforts to support and empower women through media and business initiatives. Blogger and entertainment figure Ameyaw Debrah also received the Influencer Pop Culture Content Curator of the Year award.
The Kingsley Appiagyei Foundation was honoured with the Shimei Community Leader Award 2026. The event was hosted by Eunice Dede Tornyi of Global Media Alliance, who also serves as president of the International Relations and Diplomacy Network and host of the African Women’s Voices Show. She played a dual role as master of ceremony and co-organiser.
The INCLUDEHer Conference and SHIMEI Star Influential Awards form part of an annual Ghanaian International Women’s Day event that brings together speakers from across sectors. The platform focuses on conversations around empowerment, leadership, mental well-being, and representation, while also recognising individuals and organisations making significant contributions to gender equality and women’s empowerment.