In observance of International Women’s Day, Stanbic Bank Ghana recently conducted a webinar focused on the advancement of a culture of inclusivity in business operations. The event underscored the bank’s commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs across the country.
Desmond Bredu, Head of Client Coverage at Stanbic Investment Management Services (SIMS), emphasised the significance of the dialogue, particularly highlighting the majority of SME owners in the country being women. He stressed the importance of ongoing discussions on inclusivity, expressing that it is essential for providing women with the necessary opportunities to thrive in the entrepreneurship landscape.
Derrick Sarfo, CEO of DercolBags Packaging, further contributed to the conversation by emphasising the importance of creating a supportive environment for all individuals within the business community. He highlighted the significance of recognising and celebrating the efforts of women entrepreneurs as a means of inspiring others to pursue their aspirations.
Adding her perspective to the discussion, Madam Ajike Dsani, Founder of Ajike Shea Center and The Shea Soap Factory, highlighted the numerous challenges faced by female entrepreneurs, including stereotypes and limited access to funding. She advocated for mentorship as a means of instilling confidence and providing valuable guidance to aspiring women in business.
Eric Tsiri, Head of Enterprise Clients, underscored the importance of fostering inclusion to promote creativity and innovation. He reiterated the bank’s commitment to creating a culture of inclusivity, encouraging stakeholders to do the same.
Stanbic Bank Ghana has maintained consistent support for female entrepreneurs in the country, having collaborated with the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) to launch the Women Entrepreneurship Workshop in 2022. This initiative aimed to equip female owners of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) with the necessary tools and knowledge to facilitate the growth of their businesses.
In conclusion, Stanbic Bank’s dedication to fostering inclusion in entrepreneurship is a commendable step towards empowering women and promoting diversity within the business landscape. By providing a platform for important discussions and initiatives aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs, the bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to driving positive change in the business community.