A seat at the table matters. What happens after a woman takes that seat matters just as much. In a conversation with Strength Unseen, Lawrencia Akosua Pomaa reflects on the support women need to lead with confidence, capability, and resilience.
Beyond the numbers
Measures that expand women’s representation can open long-closed doors. Lawrencia argues that access should be paired with the tools to exercise influence: strategic thinking, communication, negotiation, policy knowledge and the confidence to make decisions in demanding spaces.
The aim is more than a place in the room. It is meaningful participation and the ability to shape the decisions made there.
Make leadership development practical
Role models and mentors make leadership feel possible, especially when women can connect with people whose experiences resemble their own. Practical learning matters too. Simulations, case studies and real-world problem solving give emerging leaders a chance to practise the skills they will use in office, in organisations and in their communities.
Support the whole person
Leadership programmes work better when they recognise the person behind the role. Emotional wellbeing, trusted networks, financial literacy and guidance can all affect whether someone is able to take an opportunity and sustain it. Funding alone cannot replace the knowledge and relationships needed to build something lasting.
Resilience with room for real life
Lawrencia describes resilience as the ability to feel, recover and move forward with intention. She also challenges the idea of a perfect balance between public life, career and personal growth. Priorities shift with the seasons; planning, focus and delegation help leaders respond without losing sight of what matters.
Read the original interview. This Insight is an editorial summary of Lawrencia’s conversation with Strength Unseen. Read the full article on Strength Unseen ↗