International Women’s Day 2025 was marked with a significant milestone as the HerBridge Foundation was officially launched at the ISSER Conference Centre, University of Ghana, Legon.
The event brought together influential women leaders, students and advocates to discuss the persistent challenges faced by women and the urgent need for action toward gender equality.
In her address, Erica Kyei-Baffour, founder of the HerBridge Foundation, emphasized the organisation’s unique focus on providing support for women navigating career, caregiving, and personal well-being. She shared her personal journey, explaining that after experiencing the realities of maternal health, career aspirations, and financial struggles firsthand, she recognised the urgent need for change.
“Unlike many organisations that focus on women’s empowerment from a broad perspective, the HerBridge Foundation was born out of firsthand experiences,” she stated. “Our mission is clear: to create a world where women, particularly mothers, are equipped with the resources, knowledge, and networks to reach their full potential.”
The foundation aims to bridge the gap for women who feel unsupported, providing mentorship, capacity-building initiatives, and community support. Erica called on stakeholders to collaborate, noting that lasting impact requires collective effort.
“Because we believe that when one woman thrives, businesses grow, families flourish, and society progresses, ” she declared.
Delivering the keynote address, Adiki Ayitevie, a sustainability and communications consultant at iFORA CommEx, highlighted both the progress and the ongoing struggles in achieving gender equality. “Despite decades of advocacy, gender equality remains a distant goal,” she said.
“At the current pace, it could take over 130 years to lift all women and girls out of poverty.”
Adiki stressed the need for policies promoting gender-sensitive work environments, mentorship programs, and economic empowerment initiatives. She also called for systemic changes in corporate policies, including paid parental leave, affordable childcare, and flexible work arrangements.
“To truly drive global change, we must move beyond discussions and take decisive action,” she urged.
Jemilatu Mamshie Bawa, Chief Operating Officer of the All Africa Students Union, underscored the need for deliberate efforts to create inclusive workplaces.
She pointed out that many women still face systemic barriers in leadership and decision-making.
“It is not enough to celebrate women’s achievements once a year. We must take deliberate action to create an environment that allows women to thrive every single day,” she said.
Jemilatu outlined key steps organisations must take, including implementing structured policies to support women’s career progression, ensuring fair representation in leadership, and fostering safe and supportive workplaces. “Inclusivity in the workplace is not just beneficial for women—it is good for business, good for families, and good for society,” she added.
Banker and co-founder of Women for Sustainability Africa, Anita Ofori, shared her personal story of resilience, balancing work, education, and family responsibilities.
“No one tells you how difficult it is to balance work, education, and pregnancy.”
“There were days I came home and cried from exhaustion, but I never lost sight of my ambitions,” she reflected.
She emphasized the importance of mentorship, strategic planning, and networking in career advancement stating that “Branding yourself is essential; people need to know what you stand for and what you bring to the table,” whiles success often comes from taking the first step, even when one feels unprepared.
