Women in Procurement and Supply Chain (WIPSC) brought together stellar female minds for the commemoration of the 2026 International Women’s Day, holding a symposium to share insights with student participants from Accra Technical University (ATU).
The predominantly female event, which commemorates this year’s International Women’s Day, advocated for young women to take bold steps in overcoming gender gaps in the procurement and supply chain industry.
President of WIPSC and Director of Stores,Supplies and Drugs Management at the Ghana Health Service, Mrs. Araba Kudiabor, in her remarks emphasized the need for stronger mentorship and leadership pathways for women within the procurement profession.
She noted that the absence of visible female leaders in many professional spaces often limits the confidence of young women seeking to rise through the ranks.
“Lack of mentorship and role models make it harder for women to see themselves in top leadership positions; if some of us are part of this institution and we are where we are now, it means you can also do it and that is where the WIPSC comes in because we need to mentor and inspire other women to pursue leadership positions.”
Mrs. Kudiabor encouraged students to actively seek guidance, build strong professional networks and continuously equip themselves with knowledge and skills required to thrive in leadership roles.
The symposium also featured a panel discussion where experienced professionals shared practical insights on navigating challenges within the procurement sector.
Panelists included Doris Yenwaana Vaayi, Head of Procurement at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Naana Afrakoma Yawson, Acting Director for Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the National Vaccine Institute, and Evelyn Sam, Procurement Head at AirtelTigo.
During the discussion, the speakers shared experiences from their professional journeys while addressing challenges women encounter in the industry and the strategies needed to overcome them.
The panelists encouraged young women to remain confident, develop strong professional competence and maintain integrity as they build careers within the procurement and supply chain sector.
They also highlighted the importance of mentorship, continuous learning and resilience as key tools for women aspiring to take up leadership roles in the industry.
The symposium themed, “From Classroom to the Boardroom; Building Women Leaders in Supply Chain” formed part of activities marking the 2026 International Women’s Day celebration themed “Give To Gain’, bringing together female professionals and students from Accra Technical University (ATU) to share experiences, mentorship and career guidance within the procurement and supply chain industry.
