A Former Director of the National Folklore Board, Nana Adjoa Adobea Khartey, has encouraged students to look for local mentors within their communities to help achieve their dreams.
Emphasising the importance of accessibility and personal connection in mentorship, she said “It’s okay to admire a high-profile person you see on TV every day, but it is also important to have a local mentor in your communities.”
“They may not be rich, but you can see they are growing in their fields of business and knowledge. When the opportunity comes, don’t hesitate to meet your high-profile mentors, but don’t ignore the ones in your communities,” she added.
Mrs Khartey was speaking at the inaugural edition of the BoldNBrilliant Conference in Accra on Friday, organised by the Josephine Worlanyo Adatsi Initiative in collaboration with the Communication Department of Pentecost University to celebrate and empower the collective strength and resilience of women and young girls.
It gathered women from various disciplines along with students from different all girls senior high schools, and aimed to foster a new generation of empowered women leaders, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and needed support to make meaningful contributions to society.
She also advised students to manage their expectations when meeting mentors, reminding them that mentors were not perfect humans.
“Your mentor should not necessarily be your blueprint. The fact that your mentor attended a particular school doesn’t mean you also have to attend the same school. Experience your own experiences while learning from your mentors,” she said.
The former director who is also a lawyer stressed the importance of understanding boundaries when interacting with mentors and older individuals, while ensuring they remain polite and professional.
Ms Khartey cautioned against being demanding when dealing with mentors, particularly when it comes to asking for financial help. “It’s okay to send a pleasantry message once in a while,” she noted.
The founder of the BoldNBrilliant, Josephine Worlali Adatsi, in her address stated that the conference focuses on creating a supportive community where women could unleash their potential, pursue their passions, and develop the needed skills to overcome obstacles.
She urged participants to recognise their inherent strengths, urging them not to settle for less but to push their limits and turn their dreams into reality. “Adjust your crown because you are royalty. Step out of your comfort zone and begin to turn your dreams into reality,” she told the attendees.
She further explained that a significant backdrop to the conference was the recent passing of the Affirmative Action and Gender Equity Bill into Act, which aims to increase women’s participation in public and political life to a minimum of 30 per cent by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG