Ace journalist, Nana Aba Anamoah, has held the second edition of her yearly conference dubbed, “Women of Valour.”
This program held every 7th of March, is aimed at recognizing and highlighting women with unique stories of courage as the world marks the annual International Women’s Day.
“Women of Valour” 2024, held at UPSA Auditorium, had in attendance, students, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs.
Nana Aba Anamoah, the founder, expressed her gratitude to everyone who made it to the program including the media, the speakers; Rita Dominic, Bonang Matheba, and Shirley Frimpong-Manso, the sponsors, the team, and her host; Serwaa Amihere.
The journalist/broadcaster revealed that the words and courageous stories from the insights of her speakers would resonate long after the event concludes.
She further stated that women should always remember how strong they are and uplift each other.
“Let us embark on this incredible journey together, celebrating the past, embracing the present, and shaping a future where women of valour are recognized, celebrated, and empowered. They say women are from Venus, but I think we’re actually from a galaxy far, far away.
“We have the power to create life, juggle a million things, and still find time to binge-watch our favorite shows. If you are ever in doubt about how far you can go, drink water and ask yourself, what would a woman of valor do? Happy International Women’s Day.”
Nana Aba Anamoah
Special guest of honor, COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah, a chartered accountant and Chartered Forensic Accountant inspired women not to look down on themselves but to appreciate and value themselves, adding that women should set goals for themselves.
“Anytime you have the opportunity to meet anybody, build that network. You don’t know when that opportunity will arrive and you will need that person to do one or two things for you,” she said.
Sika Goka, a certified Etiquette Coach, and Obuobia Darko-Opoku, a Business Executive, Philanthropist, Communications Professional, and founder of Ignite Youth Empowerment Initiative are the main speakers for “Women of Valour” every year.
Sika Goka spoke on how to become a quintessential lady, stating that a quintessential lady should have good social morals.
She further broke down the letters of the word ‘QUINTESSENTIAL’ one after the other and revealed what they represented,(Quality, Unique, Intentional, Noble, Trustworthy, Enigmatic, Smiles, Sincere, Extremely Intelligent, Noticeable, Talented, Interesting, Adaptable, and Likeable).
Obuobia Darko-Opoku spoke about how a woman should wear her confidence. She revealed that confidence is an essential part of who a woman is.
“Wearing your confidence is like wearing an invisible cloth that empowers you in every situation. It starts with embracing your unique body and recognizing your worth. Stand tall, shoulders back, and let yourself assured present shine,” she noted.
She revealed that every woman needs to set boundaries, know what they want, and not be pressured.
The main guest speakers for “Women of Valour” 2024, also inspired women with their life challenges and how they fought through it to their current stage.
Shirley Frimpong-Manso, a director, writer, presenter, producer, and event organizer, disclosed how “The Miss Ghana Pageant” was organized but lost a lot of money in the process, adding that she cried herself out because at then she took a loan to leverage the beauty pageant but she never gave up, rather she persevered.
“You try, you fail; You try, you fail, and you try some more. But for a woman, when you fail, it’s a calamity. Why is it so for a woman? Because, remember you would be given the option to settle, to have a softer life. Unfortunately, including some of your fellow women will watch you fall. You rise and you fall again but you cannot stay there. You see men who succeed do not stay down there when they fall. So, against all odds, you must rise,” Shirley Frimpong-Manso said.
Undisputedly one of Africa’s biggest movie stars, CNN describes her as a ‘Silver screen icon, embodying a range of colorful characters’, Rita Dominic, revealed the ordeal she went through before becoming a star in Nollywood.
She disclosed that it was her dream to become an actor but had put it on hold because her mental health was at stake due to the demise of her mother, stating that after meeting Genevieve Nnaji, there was a turnaround in her career.
“Choose your friends wisely. It’s very important to have friends who share the same ideas with you,” she advised.
Bonang Matheba Talks About Personality
A prominent award-winning South African media personality and social media influencer, Bonang Matheba revealed that every woman is extraordinary.
She mentioned that there’s a difference between ordinary and extraordinary, adding that the extra is the very small things one does.
“The best way to respect people is to respect their time. So if you are booked for an event, when you have a meeting, when you are asked to go somewhere, I really believe you’re respecting time. Because when you respect time, it means you respect yourself and you respect the next person. And when you respect time, it means you’re reliable,” she said.
She further added that when people are looking for people who are going to show up, they go in for reliable people and those who work with time.
The South African media personality asserted that her selling point was her reliability upon invitations, adding that she needed to diversify herself.
“You can commercialize your value. You need to create a very powerful personal brand and I think that’s what I do. And after you do that, you’re able to commercialize your value,” she noted.
According to Bonang Matheba, she believes in just staying professional and making sure that people stay reliable.
READ ALSO: International Women’s Day, Empowering Women
