Nestlé Ghana has marked International Women’s Day (IWD) with a renewed call for collective action to close persistent gender gaps—particularly in leadership representation, workplace culture and employee well-being.
Held at the company’s head office in Accra, the event brought together employees, health professionals and other stakeholders for discussions under the theme “Give to gain”, reinforcing the idea that supporting one another strengthens individuals, workplaces and society.
In her opening remarks, Nestlé Ghana Managing Director Salomey Azavedo urged a rethink of long-held social expectations placed on both women and men, including norms that limit emotional expression and personal choice. “This should not just be a theme or slogan, but something we should live,” she said. “Any investment we give to someone is to make that person better… and giving to someone can only make you better.”
Mrs Azavedo also called for greater empathy in workplaces and communities, encouraging people to stay attentive to the challenges colleagues may be facing and to create environments where everyone can thrive.
Clinical and Health Psychologist Masha Boi Bashiru highlighted the importance of prioritising mental health—especially for women navigating multiple pressures and workplace stigma. She noted that stereotypes can restrict opportunities for women and cited data indicating women hold less than 26% of top senior management roles in Ghana. “We need to empower women to feel safe to talk about issues that affect them,” she said, adding that normalising mental-health conversations supports earlier help-seeking and healthier workplaces.
A panel discussion featured personal experiences from women breaking into male-dominated sectors. Sales Performance Development Manager Marian Quayson Teschmaker shared how mentorship and exposure to leadership supported her progression in sales. “They see that you are able to excel in an area dominated by men, and they realise they can also excel,” she said.
Consultant General Surgeon at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr Florence Dede, encouraged participants to prioritise preventive care and make time for regular health checks as part of holistic well-being.
Discussions at the event reinforced the need for deliberate, sustained action—challenging practices that limit inclusion, listening to lived experiences, and building supportive workplaces where everyone can contribute and lead.
The IWD celebration also included team-building activities across Nestlé Ghana’s Tema factory, LMICDC and Dzorwulu teams, including friendly cooking and dance competitions to promote collaboration and connection.
