As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” the message resonates deeply within Ghana’s creative industry. This year’s call for equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women and girls throws into sharp relief the challenges that persist behind the glitz and glamour of our entertainment sector.
Behind the scenes lies a stark reality that many women face daily: a challenging landscape marked by discrimination, harassment, and systemic barriers. As a radio broadcaster, my personal journey mirrors the experiences of countless women in
Ghana’s creative sector. Despite my qualifications and passion, I encountered the familiar scenario of being sidelined from prime-time slots based on gender stereotypes. Male managers, operating under outdated assumptions, relegated me to mid-morning programming, deeming drive-time “men’s territory.” This experience reflects a broader pattern of gender-based discrimination that stifles women’s career advancement.
Young female musicians faced similar challenges when they began their careers. Adina Thembi has spoken about being repeatedly asked to “dress more provocatively” to secure performance slots, while her male counterparts are judged solely on their musical talent. Emerging artist Gyakie has shared experiences of being pressured to accept predatory management contracts, with implications that resistance would end her career before it began.
The most insidious barrier women face is the normalization of sexual harassment. Many talented women have been confronted with the impossible choice between compromising their dignity or sacrificing their dreams. A young choreographer, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed how she lost multiple opportunities after refusing a prominent producer’s advances. These stories are not isolated incidents but represent a systemic issue that has driven many gifted women from the industry.
Take Becca, one of Ghana’s prominent singers, who recently opened up about the difficult choice between her music career and family life. “It’s been hard to watch people on the stage and release music,” she revealed. “It’s a decision I had to make for my own good. For my sanity, for the family.” While she frames this as a personal choice, explaining that “I’m not sorry about that decision at all,” her story reflects the broader pressures many women face in balancing professional aspirations with societal expectations.
The challenges extend beyond career interruptions. Efya, another prominent voice in Ghana’s music scene, recently highlighted the darker side of industry relationships. She described the painful realization that some professional connections were built on exploitation rather than genuine support. “It took me a while to realize that some people come into your life to USE YOU,” she shared. “They hate u… but they stay cos of what they can get from u they talking shit behind your back when u ain’t there n kiss ur ass when u there.”
However, there are signs of positive change. Companies like Global Media Alliance Broadcasting Corporation are leading the way by creating merit-based environments where women can thrive without compromising their integrity. Their commitment to equal opportunity demonstrates that success in entertainment should be based on talent and hard work, not gender or personal favours.
To truly transform Ghana’s creative industry, we need:
1. Industry-wide policies against sexual harassment with clear reporting mechanisms and consequences
2. Equal representation in decision-making positions
3. Mentorship programs specifically designed for women in entertainment
4. Fair and transparent criteria for opportunities and advancement
5. Media platforms committed to showcasing female talent across all time slots
The modern world seems to find it very easy to proclaim women to be the most important creatures alive, and maybe even go as far as running campaigns in this regard, but in reality, only very little is done. The world is still very unkind to women. And in all spaces too, including the creative industries across the world: talking music, dance, arts et al.
This International Women’s Day 2025, as we rally behind the theme of rights, equality, and empowerment for all women and girls, let’s move beyond mere celebration to concrete action. Every woman denied an opportunity represents a loss not just for her, but for Ghana’s cultural landscape. The next generation of female creatives deserves an industry where talent and dedication, not gender, determine success.
The courage to speak out about these challenges comes with risks, but silence has an even higher cost. By sharing our stories and demanding change, we create space for more women to pursue their creative passions without compromise. The time has come for Ghana’s entertainment industry to truly embrace and empower its women, making real the promise of this year’s theme: equal rights, power, and opportunities for all.
Veronica Napoleon (Akua Sika) Versatile media professional, TV/Radio host, UNFPA YoLe Fellow, event MC, and passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and youth leadership.
