To close out the year, on December 30, 2025, Bowney Initiative hosted an end-of-year SHE Network get-together, bringing together young women from across all cohorts since 2016. The SHE Network is an alumni platform designed to support continued learning, leadership, and peer connection among Bowney graduates
The event convened approximately 17 alumni at different stages of their journeys, with the majority currently enrolled in the university.
The session began with a warm welcome from a SHE Network member, Gladys Nana Ama Ayesu, who led an engaging icebreaker. Girls were paired to learn more about each other before introducing their partners to the larger group. This was followed by a lively “This or That” activity, which energized the room and highlighted shared interests and experiences.
Giving Back as a Core Value of the SHE Network
A key highlight of the gathering was a reflective session led by Bowney Initiative’s Founder, Grace, together with Anna Naami, a mentor. They emphasized that giving back is a core pillar of the SHE Network and does not require starting a charity or foundation. Instead, it is about intentionally sharing skills, time, resources, and knowledge with others.
This message resonated with participants. As one alumna shared,
“I learned that giving back to society doesn’t have to be big, it’s about using what you have to make a difference where you are.”
In small groups, the girls reflected on where they currently are in life, what they have, and how they can give back in their own way. Ideas ranged from supporting other girls to find scholarship opportunities, to making French language learning fun for children, and sharing academic knowledge with peers at school. One participant reflected,
“Understanding the importance of giving back has helped me see how contributing to my community also supports my own growth.”
Building Financial Confidence and Practical Skills
The girls were also privileged to hear from a guest speaker, Mrs. Nana Araba Nartey, Director and Senior Auditor at Harmer Slater Ghana Limited, who facilitated an engaging and practical session on savings and budgeting. She encouraged participants to live within their means, plan intentionally, and cultivate healthy financial habits. Drawing on the biblical account of Pharaoh’s dream interpreted by Joseph through divine inspiration she illustrated the importance of saving during times of abundance in preparation for seasons of need.
The session left a strong impression. One participant noted,
“I learned the importance of building an emergency fund and planning ahead for the unexpected.”
Another alumna shared,
“The session taught me how to save and budget properly, including practical tips like paying myself first and planning for expenses before spending.”
For many, the lessons were empowering and practical:
“Financial freedom isn’t about how much you earn, but how well you manage it. Every cedi saved is a step closer to your goals.”
Peer Learning and Skills Sharing
Peer learning remained central to the gathering, as two alumni Brainy Mensah and Joycelyn Honny were invited to share their skills with the group. Brainy Mensah, who owns a nail business on the UPSA campus, demonstrated practical nail-making techniques, while Joycelyn, a beneficiary of a Bowney-sponsored video-editing course, introduced the girls to basic video-editing skills. This peer-to-peer exchange created a meaningful avenue for giving back: participants gained hands-on skills from their peers, while Brainy and Joycelyn deepened the value of service through knowledge sharing.
Secret Santa Activity
The day ended on a joyful note with a Secret Santa activity. Prior to the gathering, each participant had been anonymously paired with another girl and encouraged to buy a small gift instilling in them the value of giving no matter how small. The exchange brought excitement and grateful moments.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 end-of-year SHE Network get-together was more than a reunion. It was a celebration of growth, leadership, and community. It reaffirmed Bowney Initiative’s commitment to nurturing young women who are confident, socially responsible, and equipped to uplift others.
We are proud of how far these girls have come and grateful to our donors, mentors, and partners whose support continues to make spaces like this possible.