"You cannot punish a woman for having children" – Sam George advocates for inclusive work policies in tech

Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George has emphasized the need for workplace policies that support women in the technology industry, particularly regarding maternity and career advancement.

Speaking at the Female in Tech (FEMITECH) Conference 2025 in Accra on Friday, the minister underscored the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and flexible work arrangements to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women in the sector.

"You cannot punish a woman for having children. Our work environments must be structured to support women through this phase of their lives so that they can thrive professionally while building strong families," he stated.

Sam George reiterated that gender biases and workplace discrimination against women must be addressed to ensure greater female participation in the ICT sector.

He highlighted some challenges women face, including limited career progression due to maternity responsibilities.

He called on male leaders to play a proactive role in mentoring and sponsoring women, rather than engaging in workplace harassment.

He further revealed that the government is committed to extending maternity leave from three to four months to promote work-life balance.

Additionally, he proposed allowing women to work remotely for an extra three months post-maternity leave to facilitate adequate breastfeeding and childcare.

"COVID-19 has shown us that flexible work arrangements are possible. We must leverage technology to ensure women are not forced to choose between motherhood and their careers," he added.

Minister George reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where women can excel without being penalized for their biological responsibilities.

On her part, Ing. Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, emphasized on the joy of leadership, stressing that true leadership is about impact, growth, and fulfillment rather than power or position.

Prof. Kaufmann underscored the importance of integrity, resilience, and adaptability in leadership.

She highlighted how women in leadership bring unique perspectives shaped by overcoming barriers and biases, often leading to innovative and inclusive problem-solving.

"As leaders, our greatest joy comes from helping others grow, making a difference, and continuously improving ourselves," she stated.

She shared her experience as the first female Dean of her School, where she led structural reforms and fostered collaboration through volunteer-driven committees.

Prof. Kaufmann also noted the increasing representation of women in engineering, citing a rise from 10% to 31.8% in 2024, and emphasized the importance of mentorship and collective leadership in driving change.

She encouraged women to embrace leadership with passion and a mindset of service, stating, "Lead with joy, and joy will follow you."

Taking her turn, Ing. Dr. Lucy Agyepong, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Academic City, called on young women in technology to take control of their digital presence and play an active role in shaping a safer and more secure digital world.

Dr. Agyepong emphasized the importance of mindful online behavior and strengthening cybersecurity practices.

"Technology is powerful, but so are we," Dr. Agyepong stated, urging women to be deliberate about how they present themselves online.

She advised participants to think carefully before posting content on social media, reminding them to consider how future employers, professors, or even family members might perceive their online activity.

She stressed the importance of limiting location sharing by turning off geotagging on photos and avoiding real-time location posts, adding that protecting one’s digital reputation should be treated as part of a professional resume.

"By practicing these simple habits, you take control of your privacy and security," Dr. Agyepong noted.

Dr. Agyepong challenged young women to take ownership of their online presence, educate others about cybersecurity risks, and advocate for stronger policies in schools, workplaces, and government.

"The future of tech is female, and our role is not just to use it—but to shape it, secure it, and protect it. Let us build a safer, smarter, and more secure digital world together," she urged.

The FEMITECH 2025 conference brought together leading women in the technology sector, providing a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing women in the digital space.

Dr. Agyepong’s address underscored the need for a proactive approach to cybersecurity and digital responsibility among women in tech.

Other speakers encouraged young women to strive hard and build a better future.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith