Dr Mary-Magdalene Pedavoah calls for equitable opportunities for women
According to Dr Pedavoah, while women are often given fair opportunities, systemic barriers continue to hinder their progress, particularly within academia.
Dr Mary-Magdalene Pedavoah, the Assistant Principal Investigator (Co-PI) for the Mainstreaming Gender in Ghanaian Institutions of Higher Education (MAGGIE) Project at the C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), has called for inclusive not merely equal, opportunities for women to thrive in their professional and personal pursuits.
According to Dr Pedavoah, while women are often given fair opportunities, systemic barriers continue to hinder their progress, particularly within academia.
“We are given fair opportunities, but what we are asking for is equitable opportunities because many barriers prevent women from progressing,” she explained.
“If a man is required to submit seven papers for promotion, a woman is also expected to submit the same, even though she may be combining those efforts with completing a Master’s and a PhD while raising four children over ten years. Naturally, my male colleague will progress faster.”
She further urged academic institutions to adopt flexible promotion systems and support mechanisms that take into account the unique challenges faced by women.
“If you’re recommending seven papers for everyone, how do you make it flexible for a woman? Institutions should also be intentional in supporting women who join the system, by assigning them mentors, coaches, and advocates,” Dr Pedavoah emphasized.
Dr Pedavoah made these remarks during a two-day capacity-building workshop organized under the auspices of the MAGGIE Project at the CKT-UTAS on Tuesday, October 28, and Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
The workshop, held under the theme “Advancing Women in Leadership,” brought together women and men in leadership positions within the university community, as well as other key stakeholders.
Participants engaged in sessions on leadership and confidence building, work-life balance, breaking institutional barriers, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
The MAGGIE Project seeks to promote gender equity and strengthen women’s leadership in Ghanaian higher education institutions through mentorship, capacity development, and institutional reforms.
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