Holding the line for women workers: The journey of Ghana’s Eva Atobrah Agyekum
Continuing with the publication of BWI women workers' “hold the line” articles, which is part of this year’s celebration of women’s month last March, we share the story of trade union leader Eva Atobrah Agyekum, an administrative assistant at the National Secretariat of the Timber and Wood Workers Union (TWU) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) – Ghana, a BWI wood and forestry affiliate.
Eva was born and raised in Ghana. After her studies, she began her career at Logs & Lumber Limited (LLL), a timber firm in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Starting as an Export Clerk, she saw the need to improve her education and completed a qualification in Human Resource Management. This led to her appointment as a personnel clerk in the company’s Human Resource Department, and eventually, she became an administrative assistant. In this role, she coordinates union programs and represents TWU at the national and global levels, with her recent engagement being at the BWI’s Global Youth Festival in May 2024. The Festival provided an opportunity for current and prospective young leaders across the world to share their experiences, celebrate each other’s successes, and strategically plan how best to push for positive changes in the BWI sectors.
While pursuing her career, Eva has been a steadfast labour activist for women and youth workers at the local, regional, and national levels. Her journey began with her election as the secretary of the local union of workers at LLL, followed by her election as the Ashanti Regional Youth Secretary, the District Council of Labour Secretary of TUC Ghana, and later, her election as the National Youth Chairperson of the TWU. Thus far, Eva has dedicated over ten years to tackling labour issues for the advancement of workers in Ghana’s wood and forestry sector.
“I give credit to my union for opening the space to explore and contribute with my talents, for empowering me, and for nurturing my leadership journey to date,” says Eva.
Her journey has not always been easy, but her determination has kept her on course, facing all challenges with her head held high. Eva believes that women have a crucial role to play in the trade union movement and that through training, education, and pushing boundaries, they can build their capacity and ease their participation in decision-making processes. Historically, women have shown their desire, determination, and ability to lead. While more and more women are being recognised, there is always space for more women to be presidents, general secretaries, chairpersons, and beyond.
“In my journey to achieving and maintaining leadership in the workplace and within the TWU, I have always anticipated and strategically planned my next move. I have done this through clear goal and vision setting, continuously acquiring knowledge, experience, and advice from those who came before me, performing to the best of my abilities, and being my sister’s keeper. This is what ‘Holding the Line’ means for me: planning, learning, working, and empowering other sisters,” Eva shared.