Ghanaian artiste Wendy Shay, known offstage as Wendy Asiamah Addo, has shed light on the struggles women face in being recognized as capable leaders, arguing that society continues to undervalue women in decision-making positions.
Speaking in an interview on GHOne TV, the “Survival” hitmaker said traditional gender expectations still cast a long shadow, making it difficult for women to be seen as equals in leadership.
According to Wendy Shay, long-standing cultural norms have confined women to domestic spaces, reinforcing the idea that leadership is meant for men. She observed that women are often told their place is in the kitchen while men take on roles in public or professional life.
She believes this outdated mindset is slowly fading, but progress remains gradual. More women, she said, are now stepping into positions of influence, pushing boundaries, and proving they can thrive in spaces once dominated by men.
Wendy Shay admitted that challenging these old beliefs often comes with significant emotional and mental pressure. Women, she noted, are expected to constantly prove their worth, even when they’ve already earned their place.
She explained that trying to rewrite these societal narratives can be exhausting, as women have to remain strong despite facing skepticism and emotional strain.
The award-winning singer emphasized that women who aspire to lead must develop both mental toughness and emotional balance. She highlighted the need for female leaders to stay focused and resilient, despite the pressures that come with being judged more harshly than their male counterparts.
Wendy Shay pointed out that while women are often more emotionally sensitive, that should not be seen as weakness. Instead, she believes it is something that can be balanced through self-awareness and mental strength.
To her, real progress will only come when society stops viewing leadership through a gendered lens. She urged women to continue pushing back against stereotypes and to keep proving that they are just as capable of leading with vision, strategy, and accountability.
Her message reinforces a broader movement among Ghanaian women who are redefining leadership across industries — from entertainment and politics to entrepreneurship.
