Perhaps the most valuable program for promoting women's leadership is the Women's Mentorship Program, run by the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA), which brings women in credit unions from all over the world together for a month long program in Canada.  Evelyn was part of this program in 2004,

Through classroom sessions and a weeklong visit to both Sydenham Credit Union, near London, Ontario, and Superior Credit Union in Thunder Bay, Evelyn gained valuable information that helped her improve the Queen of Peace Credit Union when she returned. She says loan delinquency decreased, she was able to upgrade the office, and relationships in the credit union improved. Perhaps most importantly of all, the program gave Evelyn new confidence.

"Canada changed me," she says. "The whole program was a very good experience. It was so good to be there and to learn from other women."

Evelyn says the importance of linkages with other women was the impetus for creating the Credit Union Ladies Manager Association of Ghana (CULMAG), of which Evelyn is the acting president.  The idea for CULMAG came about when women who had returned from the Canadian Women's Mentorship Program felt they wanted to stay connected and continue to learn from each other. Now, as the association is getting started, all women managers are involved - not just those who have been to Canada.

"This is a way to bring together people who have not yet been exposed to the training," explains Evelyn. "We want everyone to have the opportunity to learn."

For Evelyn, the best part of being involved in credit unions in Ghana is the opportunity to be a part of a movement that is always encouraging people to try to better themselves.  Both CUA and CCA provide many opportunities for training and education that Evelyn normally wouldn't have.  She has been able to travel all around Ghana, and to Canada to further her education. 

As a successful women leader in the credit union movement, Evelyn is a role model for other young women - especially her daughter, who wants to be a manager herself one day. Evelyn has been lucky enough to have the support of her parents and her family, and in turn, she is supporting her daughter to achieve her dreams.

For all young girls out there, Evelyn offers this advice for all young girls out there. "Take any job that you come across seriously. Learn, and always continue to improve upon your education."

Anna Brown is a senior gender advisor and long-term CCA technical consultant helping CUA to implement its gender program.