Reflections from Leadership and Conflict management and resolution training for 16 Regional Coordinators and Women’s Caucus Representative of Assemblywomen
Leadership is not static; it evolves with time, adapting to new challenges and opportunities. Yet, for many women leaders, the journey remains particularly demanding, shaped by cultural expectations, social biases, and the constant need to prove their capabilities. During a recent leadership training, women from different communities shared their experiences, shedding light on both the obstacles they face and the strengths they bring to their leadership roles.
One of the key insights that emerged was the difficulty some women encounter in gaining recognition within their own communities. Several participants noted that they were not fully accepted as leaders because they did not reside in their constituencies or could not speak the local language. This was especially true in urban areas like Accra, where leadership legitimacy is often tied to deep-rooted communal ties. However, those who had faced similar experiences shared effective strategies for overcoming these barriers. Active community engagement stood out as one of the most impactful approaches. Attending local events, making regular visits, and publicising even small initiatives through community centres were cited as essential for strengthening connections and building trust.
Beyond visibility, many women found success by focusing on practical, immediate solutions that addressed pressing community needs. One participant shared how she personally funded the refurbishment of a community water pump when official resources were unavailable. She recovered her investment by temporarily commercialising the service, after which she handed it back to the community. Others suggested that when physical infrastructure projects are difficult to achieve, leaders should diversify their efforts, creating impact in areas such as forming and supporting groups for widows or persons with disabilities. These initiatives provide tangible value and demonstrate leadership in action.
Despite their efforts, many women leaders acknowledged the added burden of constantly proving themselves in communities where women’s leadership is not fully respected. The expectation to outperform male counterparts to gain legitimacy can be exhausting. However, participants reinforced the importance of solidarity, adopting the philosophy that “A sister’s win is your win”, and that sixteen sisters winning is a victory for all.
The Strengths Women Leaders Bring
While the challenges are significant, the strengths women bring to leadership cannot be overlooked. Many participants described themselves as mentors, problem-solvers, and community mobilisers. They take an active role in guiding and motivating others, ensuring inclusivity, and fostering participation in community activities. Several highlighted their ability to build relationships, listen to their people, and resolve conflicts, which are crucial for strong, effective leadership.
Transparency and accountability were also identified as defining qualities of women leaders. Many expressed a deep commitment to equity, fairness, and ethical leadership, which has helped them gain trust despite initial scepticism. Strong communication skills, including active listening and strategic engagement with key stakeholders, were repeatedly mentioned as essential strengths. Others pointed to their confidence, ability to organise, and long-term vision, which enable them to navigate complex leadership environments successfully.
Looking Beyond Traditional Support Systems
Another critical takeaway was the recognition that local assemblies are often unreliable sources of support for development initiatives. Many women leaders are now looking beyond them and targeting multilateral organisations for funding and partnerships. Expanding networks, securing external resources, and engaging with international development agencies were strongly endorsed as ways to drive sustainable change.
Finally, the training reinforced the importance of collaboration, delegation, and shared leadership. Setting up sub-committees, empowering community members, and creating structures that encourage participation were seen as essential steps in fostering collective responsibility. Strong leadership does not mean doing everything alone; rather, it thrives when responsibility is shared and diverse voices are included in decision-making.
Women in leadership continue to break barriers, challenge societal norms, and drive meaningful change in their communities. While challenges remain, their resilience, creativity, and collective strength are shaping a new narrative—one where women’s leadership is not only recognized but celebrated.