The Women in Creativity Africa (WICA) Conference 2024 was launched on Friday, August 16, 2024, at the British Council in Accra with the theme “Bridging Borders, Breaking Barriers”.
The event aimed to empower female creatives in the country and provide a platform for open dialogues on challenges faced by aspiring female creatives.
Renowned female creatives like Akosua Agyapong, Oheneyere Dr. Gifty Anti, Sharon Dede Padi, Regina Odigie Olatayo, and Tonisha Tagoe graced the occasion as guest speakers.
Sandra Oquaye, the CEO and Co-founder of the WICA Foundation, highlighted the importance of engaging in discussions to empower aspiring female creatives.
In her keynote address, Rev. Angela Carmen Appiah, the first female president of the Institute of Directors-Ghana, emphasized the crucial role women play in society and the significance of embracing one’s uniqueness.
She encouraged women to be proactive and find mentors in pursuing their creative careers.
Sharon Dede Padi, a professional architect and construction manager, challenged the notion of “men’s jobs” in the creative industry, emphasizing that any job can be pursued based on love and passion.
Akosua Agyapong, a renowned Ghanaian musician, shared her experience of overcoming parental opposition by finding a mentor and being proactive in pursuing her career in music.
The WICA Foundation, sponsored by the Anwia Teleku-Bokazo (ATB) Trust Fund and the African Freelancers’ (TAF) College, aims to offer fifty tuition-free scholarships to women in the creative industry annually.
Mark Addo, the Board Chairman of the ATB Trust Fund, reiterated the Trust’s commitment to supporting developmental projects in the country and empowering women in creativity.
Overall, the WICA Conference 2024 served as a catalyst for empowering and celebrating the resilience, talent, and innovation of female creatives in Africa.
Through mentorship, proactive behavior, and educational opportunities, women are encouraged to break barriers, pursue their passions, and make a positive impact in the creative industry.
