The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), through its Department of Business Administration in collaboration with the Women’s Executive Office of UTAG-UPSA, will host a special conversation to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day. Scheduled for Thursday, 19 March 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Professional Christian Union Auditorium, UPSA campus, the event will explore the theme: “Navigating the Academy as a Black Woman.”
The programme is expected to bring together participants from academia, industry, and civil society for a timely and important discussion on the experiences of Black women within academic spaces and the practical measures needed to promote inclusion, growth, and professional advancement.
The conversation will feature distinguished speakers, including Prof. Kris Marsh, Professor of Sociology at the University of Maryland, USA, and Dr. Natalie Williams, lecturer and author, who will share insights from their academic and professional journeys.
Speaking ahead of the event, Dr. Ummu Markwei, Senior Lecturer and Gender Consultant in the Department of Business Administration at UPSA, noted that women often encounter significant challenges in academia, particularly within spaces that have historically been male-dominated.
She explained that the programme is intended to create a platform for dialogue, mentorship, and shared learning, while also encouraging women in academia to draw strength from one another’s experiences.
According to Dr. Markwei, the discussion will provide an opportunity for accomplished female academics to reflect on their journeys, the obstacles they have faced, and the strategies that have enabled them to thrive.
“As women, we need to support one another as we progress in academia. Through this conversation, senior colleagues who have excelled in their academic careers will share their experiences and the lessons they have learned along the way,” she said.
She added that the initiative is aimed at fostering solidarity among women in academia and inspiring them to support one another in pursuing their professional aspirations.
The event is expected to offer a meaningful platform for reflection and exchange, while advancing conversations on equity, representation, and the empowerment of women in higher education.
