Interviewers: Mahmoud Mansi & Lady Kukua Atta-Peters
Publisher: Amira Haytham
“In my opinion, preaching about women empowerment without involving the men is a journey that started with a step in the wrong direction. It is not a fight against men; it is a communal movement…“
Elsie Amelia Tachie-Menson
ORGANISATION’S DATA
HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: Why the name TEDx Central University Women? Does the event focus only on women?
Elsie Amelia Tachie-Menson: TED talks feature live presentations on innovative ideas in all areas of life: science, religion, social issues, health, etc. in the United States. As a mother body, TED gives licences individuals around the world to organize TED exclusive events in their communities and these are called TEDx events. Choosing a TEDx Women license was inspired by issues that women face in communities all over the world. Ideally, I believe that women’s issues are every person’s issues and so, the event is open to any individual who is concerned about women’s issues. To this effect, the debut of TEDxcuwomen had a team, a speaker’s list and an audience that weren’t gender-biased.
HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: When was the maiden edition of TEDx Central University Women? And what made you organize for the first time ever, a TEDx event in Central University?
Elsie Amelia Tachie-Menson: 10/29/2016. Central University is an institution that takes quite a holistic approach to the educational system. But after being enrolled there for two years, already, I thought there was something amiss. During these couple of years I had been on other TEDx teams. Then I thought, “A TEDx event should be welcome here!”, and it was.
HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: How does this event attract the appropriate audience?
Elsie Amelia Tachie-Menson: With the intention of having our intended audience we do robust publicity after curating our speakers. So, on the campus grounds there is a lot of publicity but even more on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter). Also, we feature the speakers on these social media pages to make people out there know who they are and what to expect.
HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: Since the maiden edition of TEDx Central University Women, what would this event seek to change or do differently with the upcoming event in November?
Elsie Amelia Tachie-Menson: In detail, it’s going to be an amazing surprise!! But basically more unconventional ideas! A whole new array of speakers and definitely more time for interactions and networking.
HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: What criteria are used to select exceptional TEDx speakers for the event?
Elsie Amelia Tachie-Menson: Since our licence is for a university, it was best to curate speakers that were young with related ideas and stories. People who already making waves in their various specialties. Innovation is of much essence for such a young community because it creates an avenue for insight and brainstorming.
HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: As the curator, what are the major challenges you encounter with regards to management?
Elsie Amelia Tachie-Menson: Working on a team has always proven to be quite a handful of a task. The kind of challenges that I have faced circle around availability and full involvement. Aside personal reasons, this is a concern that I touch with a pole because it is a student community so scholarly reasons are what is causing any deficit I deal with it tactfully. But before, these issues have been dealt with easily so we look forward to better management.
HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: How does Tedx Central University Women support itself financially?
Elsie Amelia Tachie-Menson: Contribution from members & Sponsorships
HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: Does Central University support this event in any way?
Elsie Amelia Tachie-Menson: Yes. The college sorted our venue issues for us by providing us with an adequate location and equipment for the event.
TEAM DEVELOPMENT
HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: How do you as the president select team members and volunteers for the event? (What are the criteria for selecting people to work with)?
Elsie Amelia Tachie-Menson: Basically, readiness is an attribute I looked out for while curating the team. Also, a team member should be able to bring something to the table: ideas, critique, questions, creativity, etc. Every team member had to understand and agree to the term that there is basically no financial reward that comes with working on the team. Working on the team is working for the society and humanity and so I lookout for individuals with the spirit of volunteering.
HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: In what way does TEDx Central University Women develop the team for the upcoming event?
Elsie Amelia Tachie-Menson: Post event feedback is always helpful to help us fix our mistakes and do better. TED talks are always a source of primary insight. As a team, we keep ourselves motivated by sharing ‘what new can be brought to the table?’ ideas and it’s always helpful and keeps us developed. Also, meeting with resourceful persons (lecturers) for advice is also helpful.
OTHERS
HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: What is your opinion about the situation of women in the Ghanaian society?
Elsie Amelia Tachie-Menson: In Ghana, and the world over alike, girl child and women issues are of major concern but on the ground, only a few individuals care. Of course there are NGOs and foundations all over Ghana, but how is the Ghanaian society involved in this change? In my opinion, preaching about women empowerment without involving the men is a journey that started with a step in the wrong direction. It is not a fight against men; it is a communal movement (of both gender) to combat the dusty and not too sensible societal norms for better and sustainable development in Ghana and all over the world.
HR Revolution Middle East Magazine: What advice would you give to young people trying to make a difference in the society?
Elsie Amelia Tachie-Menson: If you find out how you want to help the society, do it already. Do not stop! Feed the urge and focus on it. If you need insight, find a community of social entrepreneurs and join them. Most importantly, do not expect to have it all before you start anything. Things take shape along the way. It’s good to have and a plan (and you should) but don’t spend all tour time waiting to be fully prepared before take-off.
Social Media
Facebook: TEDxCentralUniversityWomen
Twitter: tedxcuwomen
Instagram: tedxcuwomen
