Mrs. Mercy Yamtot Adongo, headmistress of the Bolgatanga Experimental Primary School and a respected media personality in the Upper East Region, has made a compelling case for gender equality in leadership, emphasizing that women possess the skills, empathy, and resilience needed to lead effectively across all sectors.
Speaking in an interview on A1 Radio, Mrs. Adongo shared lessons from her seven years of leadership at the helm of the school, asserting that when given the opportunity, women excel in positions of authority.
“Leadership Is Not Gender-Based—It’s About Competence”
Drawing comparisons between managing a home and leading an institution, Mrs. Adongo explained how her ability to navigate diverse personalities and temperaments has contributed to a productive and supportive work environment.
“When I took over this position about seven years ago, I met so many different personalities and characters. But as a woman, I’ve been able to manage them—despite their differences—through empathy, motivation, and emotional intelligence,” she said.
Mrs. Adongo firmly challenged societal biases that view leadership through a gendered lens, insisting that competence—not gender—should be the benchmark for leadership selection.
“Why should I be tagged because of my gender? Are you assessing the value I bring, or are you simply seeing me as a woman? When we are given the opportunity, we deliver,” she stressed.
Affirmative Action and Mutual Support Among Women
Calling for the full implementation of Ghana’s Affirmative Action Law by 2028, Mrs. Adongo suggested that inclusive appointments could serve as a strong starting point to ensure equal representation of women in leadership.
She also encouraged women to support each other, rather than compete destructively—highlighting that women often have a deeper understanding of each other’s challenges, making solidarity more meaningful and impactful.
“If you see a woman with leadership potential, support her. It’s easier to approach a fellow woman, because she understands you. The man doesn’t always understand your challenges,” she said.
Women, Integrity, and the Legacy of Leadership
Mrs. Adongo further underscored the role of integrity in leadership, noting that women are often perceived as less corrupt. She urged women in leadership positions to create lasting legacies that would build trust and encourage the appointment of more women in the future.
“We are telling the women out there—when you are given a leadership role, make a mark. Leave your legacy so that even in your absence, people will still want women to lead.”
She concluded with a call to action directed at both men and women: while women must rise and lead with purpose, men must also actively support the inclusion and advancement of women in leadership roles. She expressed confidence that with more women in decision-making positions, Ghana could experience stronger accountability and more effective governance.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
