Highlights From Women in PR Ghana Summit 2018
The 2018 edition of the annual Women in PR Ghana Summit took place last weekend at the Oak Plaza Hotel in Accra. The event themed, “Press for Progress: PR Women Making Strides” had a number of inspiring personalities in attendance. Even though I could not make it on time, here are few interesting facts I learnt at the event which may help you in your career.
If you are an aspiring or PR professional, Adiki O. Ayitevie (Senior Director, Communications and External Relations, Newmont Africa) touched on her challenges in public relations and also how to deliver business outcomes through strategic communications.
Earlier this year, Newmont Ghana faced a few set backs with regards to their mining operations. When asked about some of the methods a PR expert can use in times of a crisis, Adiki O. Ayitevie touched on these points:
- Be sensitive and apologize during crisis (keeping in mind of the company’s liability) Use words such as ”We deeply regret”
- Build relationships with folks in the media, so you can easily call on them when you need help.
- Don’t be quick to put out a story, wait till you have all your facts. Once a story is out there, it will be very difficult to retract.
Thabisile Phumo, Senior Vice President and Head of Stakeholder Relations, Sibanye – StillWater (South Africa) also discussed some interesting details on gender and leadership. Phumo talked about the fact that no matter how small one’s position is in a company, she/he should find a way to be indispensable and also make an impact. In her words, ”Impact is not positional.”
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Thabisile Phumo also touched on how some women accept the patriarchal system instead of challenging the status quo.
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The 2018 Women in PR Summit also had a panel discussion session on the topic: a seat at the table, do women merit it by virtue of being women? This session was moderated by Paulina Kuranchie, lecturer at the Department of Public Relations at the Ghana Institute of Journalism with panelists including Shirley Tony Kum of Vivo Energy Ghana, Rita Rockson of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited, Praise Nutakor, Communications Analyst at United Nations Development Programme and Clarence Amoatey, General Manager of Touchpoint Magna Carta.
Other key speakers included: Alberta Nana AkyeaAkosa, (Team Lead, Agrihouse Communications) Shamima Muslim (Broadcaster and Convener of Alliance for Women in Media Africa) and Mr.Aftab Singh Chauhan, (Social Media Strategist, IPMC Ghana)
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