Telecel Ghana marked International Women’s Month with an engaging fireside conversation that brought together two of Ghana’s leading voices in technology and finance.
The event, held at the company’s headquarters in Accra, featured software engineer and disability advocate Farida Bedwei and tax and regulatory leader at PwC West Africa, Ayesha Bedwei Ibe. Under the theme “Give to Gain: Powering Our Progress,” the discussion explored personal growth, leadership, and the importance of visibility in today’s professional world.
Sharing their journeys, both speakers encouraged women to step forward, take ownership of their achievements, and actively pursue opportunities that can shape their careers.
For Farida Bedwei, progress for women in STEAM will depend on how visible and intentional they are about their ambitions. She urged women to confidently showcase their skills and speak about their accomplishments.
“If people don’t know what you can do, they won’t come looking for you,” she said.
Ayesha Bedwei Ibe echoed the need for visibility, describing it as a critical leadership skill. She noted that consistently sharing one’s work—whether through writing, networking, or professional platforms—is essential to building influence and opening doors.
Despite increased attention on women in technology, Farida pointed out that retaining women in technical careers remains a challenge. While many are trained, fewer go on to build long-term careers in the field. She stressed the need for sustained commitment, especially as opportunities continue to grow in areas such as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Ayesha also reflected on a deeply personal turning point in her life—the loss of her husband and the responsibility of raising their young child alone—which reshaped her outlook and career. She encouraged women to be intentional about their growth and to seize opportunities, even when they seem difficult.
“If you decide to reinvent yourself, you’ve already done half the work,” she said, adding that success often requires stepping forward and volunteering for challenging roles.
Beyond personal development, the discussion highlighted structural challenges within the technology and finance sectors. Farida warned that emerging technologies, particularly AI, could deepen inequality if diverse voices are excluded from their design. She called for more inclusive systems that consider the needs of people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups.
The conversation also touched on practical career strategies, including salary negotiation, financial independence, and managing expectations. Ayesha encouraged young professionals to prepare thoroughly for opportunities, stressing that research and confidence are key to negotiating value effectively.
She also underscored the importance of financial independence. “Save, invest, and manage your income wisely,” she advised, noting that self-reliance is critical for long-term empowerment.
Farida, meanwhile, emphasised the need for women to take up leadership roles and positions of influence. She noted that real progress will come when more women sit on boards and lead institutions, shaping decisions that impact society.
Closing the event, Telecel Ghana CEO Patricia Obo-Nai praised the speakers for their inspiring stories, describing them as a reflection of the “Give to Gain” theme. She highlighted how both women had invested in themselves and used their talents to make meaningful contributions to society.
Beyond the fireside chat, Telecel Ghana is marking the month with a focus on digital inclusion and leadership. A key initiative is She Codes, a virtual programme aimed at equipping 1,000 young girls across Ghana with foundational digital skills.
The celebrations will culminate in the company’s annual Women 100 Connect event, a platform that brings together women leaders, professionals, and emerging talent to share ideas and explore pathways for growth and leadership.