Women Leaders in Eye Health Ghana Workshop Builds Momentum for Locally Led Leadership Across Africa

By Juanita Otchwemah Aryeh, Ephrailia Annan and Clare Szalay Timbo
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More than 80 women eye health professionals from across Ghana came together in Accra for the second Women Leaders in Eye Health (WLEH) Ghana Workshop, marking another important milestone in the growth of the WLEH movement.

Following the inaugural workshop held in Kumasi in 2025, this year's gathering, Beyond Clinical Excellence: Collaborative Leadership and Mental Wellness for Women in Eye Health, demonstrated the growing demand for spaces where women can connect, learn, and support one another across professional cadres and career stages.

The workshop brought together ophthalmologists, ophthalmic nurses, optometrists, opticians, optical technicians, ophthalmic nursing students, programme staff, senior leaders, and emerging professionals to explore how collaborative leadership and wellbeing can contribute to stronger eye health systems and more supportive workplaces.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive discussions on leadership beyond formal titles, psychological safety, workplace culture, preventing burnout, mentorship, and building resilient teams. The conversations highlighted that effective leadership is not only about technical excellence but also about creating environments where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute.

A defining feature of the workshop was the opportunity for women across the eye health workforce to connect with peers they might not otherwise meet through their daily work. Participants shared experiences, challenges, and practical strategies for navigating leadership roles while maintaining personal wellbeing.

As discussions unfolded, one message emerged clearly: investing in women leaders strengthens organizations, improves workplace culture, and ultimately contributes to better outcomes for patients and communities.

The event also reflected the growing strength of the WLEH network and its commitment to locally led action. What began as a pilot concept in Kumasi has evolved into a model that can be adapted and led by country teams to respond to local needs and priorities.

This momentum is already inspiring other WLEH partners to explore similar opportunities. Representatives from Orbis Zambia joined the Ghana workshop, creating valuable opportunities for cross-country learning and discussion about how local leadership events can be adapted and implemented in Zambia and other settings. The exchange reinforced the value of sharing experiences across countries while maintaining a strong focus on local ownership and context.

"One of the most exciting outcomes of this workshop is seeing how local teams are taking ownership of advancing women's leadership in eye health. When countries lead these conversations themselves, they create solutions and networks that are grounded in their realities and positioned for long-term impact." - Clare Szalay Timbo, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Gender Equity and Programs at Orbis Canada.

The workshop concluded with participants expressing a strong desire for continued engagement, mentorship opportunities, peer learning, and future gatherings. Many left with new professional connections, renewed confidence, and a commitment to supporting other women leaders within their organizations and communities.

As WLEH continues to grow globally, the Ghana workshop serves as an example of how locally led initiatives can strengthen leadership pathways, foster collaboration, and create lasting networks of support for women across the eye health sector.

The success of both the Kumasi and Accra workshops demonstrates that when women are given space to connect, reflect, and learn together, they become even more powerful agents of change for their organizations, their communities, and the future of eye health.