The members of the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) Ladies’ Association have been advised to harness professional diversity and collaborate innovatively and strategically for the rapid progress of the University.

This, according to Professor Mrs. Ibok Nsa Oduro, the Provost of the College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, would nature an inclusive professional environment, where different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences would be valued and respected.

Prof. Mrs. Oduro gave the advice when she was speaking on the theme “Harnessing Professional Diversity, the Key to Career Excellence of Women” at the inaugural ceremony of the UENR Ladies’ Association on Thursday in Sunyani.

She stated that embracing professional diversity was the drive to innovations and creativity, while cultivating a sense of mutual respect and synergy.

Prof Mrs Oduro, a Professor of post-harvest technology emphasised the need for the willingness to embrace uniqueness, team and inter-professional collaborations and cultivating open-mindedness as the key to building career excellence through diversity.

Mrs Eva Atika Bakuri Dinye, the President of the Association and the Assistant Counsellor at the University said it was the mission of the Association to empower women and develop their leadership competencies.

She observed that would enhance their professional, socio-economic, physical and cultural well- being, guided by the core values of innovation, integrity, loyalty, transparency and boldness.

Mrs Dinye added the vision of the Association was to become a pivot through which rights of women would be respected, regardless of race, income levels, ethnicity and social status to motivate them to achieve their full potentials.

Dr Mrs Mercy Derkyi, a Senior Lecturer at the University outlined the objectives of the Association, saying they included; nurturing role models to mentor women through promoting self-confidence and developing their leadership potentials.

It was also to unite all female staff of the University and coordinate their activities on campus, while strengthening a mutual relationship and promoting their common interest, she added.