Kempinski hosts inspiring women event to champion gender equality

Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality with the successful hosting of the second edition of Inspiring Women at Kempinski.

The event, held in celebration of International Women’s Day, brought together corporate executives, industry leaders, media professionals, and students to discuss ways to break barriers, foster inclusion, and drive meaningful change under the theme “Accelerating Action for Gender Equality.”

With over 100 attendees from various sectors, the event provided a platform for candid discussions on leadership, empowerment, and the importance of creating workplaces that prioritize diversity and equal opportunities. 

Delivering the keynote address, Dzigbordi Kwaku-Dosoo, CEO of DCG Consulting Group, emphasized the need for confidence, resilience, and bold action in breaking gender barriers. She challenged women to step into leadership with conviction and embrace their power to drive change.

In his opening remarks, the General Manager of Kempinski Gold Coast City Accra, Hanno Barkhoff, underscored the hotel’s dedication to creating inclusive spaces where women can thrive. 

He noted that diversity in leadership is essential for building stronger, more dynamic workplaces and stressed that gender equality must move beyond conversation to tangible action.

“At Kempinski, we believe that diversity in leadership creates stronger, more dynamic workplaces. Events like these are not just about conversations—they are about creating real impact. It is our responsibility to ensure that gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality in our industry and beyond,” he said.

The panel discussion featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including Claudia Lumor, Publisher and Founder of Glitz Africa Magazine; Afi Amoro, CEO of Jandel Ltd.; Roberta Talata Maldima-Provencal, CEO of Talata Ghana; Vivian Kai Lokko, Head of Business and News at Citi FM and Channel One TV, Omni Media; Isabel Ibarra Serrano de Haro, Deputy Head of Missions at the Embassy of Spain to Ghana and Togo; and Kojo Soboh, Executive Director of EMY Africa. The conversation delved into the challenges and opportunities in achieving gender equality, with speakers sharing their experiences, insights, and recommendations for fostering more inclusive workplaces and societies.

Kempinski team members also took the stage to share their personal journeys of excelling in male-dominated roles. Training Manager Gladys Awotwe-Pratt, Engineering Team member Belinda Pappoe, and Lady in Red Tabitha Elonga spoke about the challenges they have faced and how they continue to uphold high standards of service delivery while breaking barriers in their respective fields.

A key highlight of the discussion was the call for men to take a more active role in promoting gender equality. Kojo Soboh urged men to go beyond passive support and instead become champions of change. 

“Men must be more than allies. We must be active participants in the fight for gender equality. Real change happens when we use our voices and platforms to uplift women, challenge biases, and open doors for equal opportunities,” he stated. 

His remarks reinforced the idea that achieving true gender equality is a collective effort that requires the commitment of all genders.

One of the most touching moments of the event came when Nasbah Gbinniya, a student with special needs from Klicks Foundation, delivered a breathtaking musical performance. Her voice captivated the audience, serving as a powerful symbol of inclusion, talent, and the importance of providing opportunities for all individuals to shine.