Highlights from the Ladies in the Boardroom One-Day Masterclass
Douala, Cameroon, January 25, 2025
On January 25, 2025, over 150 ambitious women from across Cameroon gathered at Polyclinique Archange Bonapriso, Douala, for the Ladies in the Boardroom One-Day Masterclass. This transformative event, powered by the UK Government/British High Commission in collaboration with XCAPE by Edith Delight, provided a platform for women entrepreneurs to learn, network, and take their businesses to the next level.
A Day of Learning and Inspiration
The event was packed with insightful panel discussions, engaging keynote sessions, and invaluable networking opportunities. Industry leaders, finance experts, and legal professionals shared their expertise, equipping participants with the knowledge needed to navigate the business landscape effectively.
Welcome Remarks & Panel Discussion
The day began with a warm welcome from Dr. Edith F. Gibson, President of Ladies in the Boardroom, who emphasized the importance of women’s economic empowerment. Following her remarks, a panel discussion featuring Jackie Ngalle (UBA), Ritha Django (Beko Capital Advisory), Bawa (CCA Bank), and Bernadette Esso (Event Planner) set the stage for insightful conversations. Panelists shared their journeys, challenges, and the critical role mentorship played in their success.
Keynote Sessions: Actionable Insights for Women in Business
The masterclass featured a series of powerful keynote sessions, each covering a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship:
- Access to Finance – Georgette Ngo Piim (Ecobank) provided practical guidance on securing funding, exploring various financial sources, and overcoming barriers faced by women entrepreneurs.
- Legal Affairs & Business Protection – Barrister Bate Lydian educated participants on key legal documents, intellectual property rights, and how to protect their businesses.
- Personal Branding – Dr. Michaella Notche (EHIA Consulting) emphasized the importance of authenticity in building a strong personal brand.
- Marketing & PR Strategies – Santher Mbacham (Image Nation PR) shared effective marketing and publicity strategies for business growth.
- Work-Life Balance – Dr. Edith Gibson and Leonie Ella Chedjou discussed strategies for managing family, business, and self-care.
Distinguished Guests & Special Recognitions
A highlight of the event was the presence of H.E. Matt Wood, British High Commissioner to Cameroon, who delivered remarks on the UK Government’s commitment to women’s empowerment in entrepreneurship. Additionally, Professor Joyce Bayande Mbongo épse Endeley, a renowned advocate for gender equality, joined as a panelist, inspiring participants with her expertise and achievements.
The event also celebrated notable accomplishments within the Ladies in the Boardroom initiative. Ruth Meteh, an outstanding participant, was appointed as the Administrative Assistant for the initiative, recognizing her dedication and active engagement. In another empowering move, Ladies in the Boardroom provided a financial boost of 1 million FCFA to ML Production237, led by Mbeng Lilian (Caro), in support of women-led creative enterprises.
Field Trip to Ecobank Ellevate
In line with its mission to support women entrepreneurs, Ladies in the Boardroom announced a field trip to Ecobank Ellevate Branch, Bonanjo, where selected participants will receive coaching on structuring their businesses and preparing for funding opportunities. The initiative will also cover the costs of opening Ecobank Ellevate accounts for these entrepreneurs, further strengthening their financial foundations.
Looking Ahead
The impact of the Ladies in the Boardroom Masterclass extends beyond this event. As a platform dedicated to empowering women in leadership and business, it continues to foster mentorship, access to financial resources, and strategic networking opportunities. With a second masterclass scheduled in Yaoundé on February 8, 2025, the initiative is set to reach even more women, equipping them with the tools to succeed.
Empowered women empower the world, and Ladies in the Boardroom is proving just that!
Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events and success stories from the initiative!
