Miss Janat Issifu, the Chief Executive Officer of WAN-Hive Ghana, women-centered Non-Governmental Organisation has advised women to explore opportunities, build strategic networks to advance their career paths and personal development.
She said that networking remained an effective tool to accelerate career growth and personal development, saying that her NGO focused on women empowerment, building partnerships and leveraging on network opportunities.
Ms Issifu gave the advice in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on assessment of the impacts of the NGO on women development at Dumasua in the Sunyani West Municipality.
She encouraged women to work diligently and take advantage of available opportunities and invest in their personal and professional growth, asking for their active participation in public events.
“Sometimes events are held for women, but their participation is often low. It’s therefore important for women to participate in programmes that provide opportunities for learning, networking and career advancement”, she urged.
Ms Issifu stressed that: “Opportunities often favour those who are prepared”, and urged women to capitalize on digitalization, and to build their capacities and competencies through online learning as well as mainstream academics, employable skills training and self-development initiatives.
“There’s no way an opportunity will come and meet you unprepared and you will succeed. So, always prepare yourself for opportunities and take both academic and online courses seriously as you strive to grow beyond the confines of your organisation”, she entreated women.
She encouraged women to network strategically, rather than “indiscriminately collecting contacts at events or porgrames”, advising that: “Always listen to people whose vision aligns with your vision, engage them in meaningful productive conversations”.
Ms Issifu advised that: “When reaching out afterwards, be concise and straightforward, stating your purpose clearly because people are often busy with numerous commitments”.
She expressed confidence that with focus and determination women could achieve their career goals, adding that: “When a woman sets her mind on achieving something, she can achieve it”.
“So, women should make deliberate efforts towards creating their own wealth and financial independence, rather than over-relying solely on others”, she advised, acknowledging that: “The journey to success is often challenging”.
Ms Issifu indicated that women might encounter obstacles and pressures, however, they must remain resilient and dedicated in achieving their life aspirations.
She said her NGO remained open to women who aspired to build meaningful careers and make positive contributions to society and advised women to have clear goals and a vision for their future.
Ms Issifu said determination, preparation and strategic networking could help women to realize and build on their ambitions.
