The School of Optometry and Vision Science (SOVS) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), in collaboration with Cardiff University and Women in Vision UK, has held its maiden Women in Vision Conference to promote gender inclusivity and empower women aspiring to pursue academic careers in optometry and vision sciences.
The conference, held under the theme “Women in Vision Ghana: Establishing a Network to Support and Empower Women Aspiring to Undertake Academic Roles in Ghana,” brought together academics, students, and stakeholders to discuss gender dynamics and strategies to enhance female participation in science and academia.
In his opening remarks, Dean of the School of Optometry and Vision Science, Prof. Stephen Ocansey, said the initiative was a critical step in addressing the underrepresentation of women in academic and leadership positions within the field.
“At SOVS, we acknowledge that the current gender imbalance in our academic staff is not due to a lack of capable women or efforts but reflects a systematic challenge that we must address,” Prof. Ocansey said.
“This project is a step forward in understanding the motivations and barriers influencing women’s pathways into academia and equipping our community with the tools to build a supportive environment.”
Prof. Ocansey added that the conference also aimed to share findings from ongoing research on gender disparities in optometry, inspire women through shared experiences, and formally launch the Women in Vision Ghana Network to serve as a platform for mentorship, professional growth, and collaboration.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Denis Worlanyo Aheto reaffirmed UCC’s commitment to fostering an inclusive academic environment guided by its gender policy.
He described the conference as a significant milestone towards achieving gender equity within academia.
“At the University of Cape Coast, we are committed to creating enabling environments for women to thrive in leadership, research, and teaching. Advancing women in STEM disciplines, including optometry and vision science, is critical for the sustainable development of our nation,” Prof. Aheto said.
Prof. Aheto further explained that the initiative, supported by the British Council’s Global Partnerships, aligns with UCC’s efforts to promote gender-responsive career development through capacity building, mentorship, and the establishment of support networks.
The conference also featured contributions from Prof. Barbara Ryan, Director at the Centre for Vision Sciences Research at Cardiff University, who shared her personal journey in academia and emphasized the importance of resilience, teamwork, and mentorship.
“The women you see who have been successful have faced barriers. Bringing women together to support one another through these challenges is fantastic.Every career is built on teamwork. Find good people you want to work with and build your success together,” Prof. Ryan noted.
Prof. Ryan encouraged young women in the field to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth, noting, “It’s not the failure that defines you, but how you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep going.”
The Women in Vision Ghana Network is expected to create peer mentoring opportunities connecting early-career professionals and students with experienced mentors both locally and globally, while fostering leadership and confidence among women in the field.
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Source: Comfort Sweety Hayford/ATLFMNEWS
