Joyce Bawah Mogtari says Obaasima Conference should help women connect and learn

Senior Presidential Advisor and Aide to President John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has urged women in leadership to surround themselves with people who will support their growth, defend them against unfair treatment and offer honest advice. In a Facebook post on Friday, October 16, she reflected on a discussion with former Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei at the Obaasima Conference, where the challenges women encounter in leadership featured prominently. Ms Bawah Mogtari said the conversation reinforced the importance of having a dependable support system in workplaces where women’s abilities and achievements are often questioned.

She said a genuine support network should go beyond public expressions of solidarity to include people willing to speak up against injustice, offer constructive criticism and celebrate the progress of others without feeling threatened. Such relationships, she noted, can make a significant difference in how women navigate the pressures of leadership. Ms Bawah Mogtari said the Obaasima Conference should provide a platform for women to share their experiences, learn from one another and develop meaningful connections.

She stressed that while leadership can be difficult for women, having trusted people to rely on can make the journey more manageable and rewarding. In a Facebook post on Friday, October 16, she reflected on a conversation with former Electoral Commission Chairperson Charlotte Osei, whose account of the challenges of being a woman in leadership prompted her to consider the value of shared experiences and mutual support. Ms Bawah Mogtari said the discussion highlighted the pressures women may face, from rumours and workplace prejudice to colleagues who question their ability to handle responsibilities.

She said creating opportunities for women to discuss such experiences openly could help them find practical ways to navigate difficult working environments and encourage one another. She identified the importance of finding a supportive circle of people who will offer honest counsel, stand against unfair treatment and celebrate each other’s achievements. According to Ms Bawah Mogtari, that spirit of connection and solidarity should be central to the Obaasima Conference, enabling women not only to exchange ideas but also to build lasting networks of support.