KsTU Hosts 2-Day Capacity Building Workshop to Strengthen Women’s Leadership
Kumasi Technical University (KsTU), through the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor and in collaboration with the Gender Inclusion and Vulnerability Office of KNUST, has organised a transformative two-day capacity building workshop aimed at advancing women in leadership and promoting work–life balance. The event, held on 13th and 14th November 2025 at the SRC Conference Room, brought together female teaching and non-teaching staff for intensive training, mentorship and career-development engagement.
The Vice-Chancellor of KsTU, Professor Gabriel Dwomoh, opened the workshop with a call for women to prepare themselves for leadership opportunities across academia and administration. He stressed that meaningful representation requires intentional learning, confidence and readiness. Prof. Dwomoh encouraged participants to embrace continuous development, reminding them that women play a vital role in shaping the future of tertiary education.
The Registrar, Mr. Ebenezer Boakye, also addressed the gathering and praised the initiative as an important step in building a motivated, high-performing workforce. He observed that empowering women enhances institutional growth and national progress, and urged participants to apply what they learn to increase their visibility and contributions within KsTU.
The programme also welcomed two distinguished academics from KNUST—Professor (Mrs.) Ibok Oduro, a Professor of Postharvest Technology at the Department of Food Science and Technology, and Professor (Mrs.) Mercy Badu, Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Head of the Gender Office. Their presence reaffirmed the commitment of tertiary institutions to work together in promoting gender inclusivity, mentorship and professional advancement.
One of the major highlights of Day One was the keynote address delivered by Ing. Professor (Mrs.) Abena Agyeiwaa Obiri-Yeboah. She challenged participants to prepare themselves adequately for leadership roles, noting that the provisions of the Affirmative Action Bill become meaningless if qualified women are not available to fill reserved positions. She encouraged the staff to pursue higher academic qualifications, improve their research output, collaborate on publications and set clear targets for career progression. She stressed that leadership becomes attainable when preparation meets opportunity.
Day One also featured reflective conversations on work–life balance, identity, values and motivation, with Professor Ibok Oduro delivering an inspiring message on leadership as a complementary effort between men and women. Professor Mercy Badu shared insights on the importance of women building networks and tapping into gender advocacy structures across universities.
Day Two of the workshop expanded the training with equally impactful sessions. The Deputy Registrar, Dr. Jenkins, delivered a presentation on Policy Literacy: Empowering Staff Through Policy, where he explained the importance of understanding institutional policies for career advancement and effective decision-making. He encouraged staff to familiarise themselves with university regulations, promotion requirements and administrative procedures in order to navigate the system confidently.
Professor Ibok Oduro returned on Day Two with a compelling presentation on Navigating the Career Space with a Difficult Spouse. She explored the realities many women face in balancing ambition, family expectations and emotional support, urging participants to communicate openly, negotiate responsibilities and maintain self-awareness in order to thrive.
A major attraction of the second day was a vibrant panel discussion centred on the overall theme of the workshop. Panellists shared personal experiences, challenges and strategies for rising through leadership positions while maintaining balance in family and work life. The discussion was interactive and energising, prompting honest reflections from participants.
The final presentation of the programme was delivered by Mrs. Ama Kyerewaa Boakye-Nti, who spoke on Personal and Institutional Action Planning. She guided participants through practical steps for identifying goals, developing action strategies and aligning personal aspirations with institutional expectations. Her session provided a clear roadmap for staff to take charge of their growth while contributing meaningfully to the University.
Participants described the two-day workshop as empowering, engaging and essential to their professional development. Many noted that the sessions deepened their understanding of leadership and provided practical skills they could apply immediately.
Through this initiative, Kumasi Technical University has reaffirmed its commitment to building a supportive, gender-responsive academic community where women are equipped to lead, influence and excel. The University plans to sustain such programmes to ensure that women at KsTU are continuously supported in their journey toward leadership and institutional excellence.
