The Women Commissioner of Wisconsin International University College, Ghana, Ms Vivian Tiwaa Boakye, has been adjudged Women Commissioner of the Year at the 2025 Nightingale Prestigious Awards, in recognition of her outstanding advocacy, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the welfare and empowerment of women, particularly within the nursing and midwifery fraternity.
The prestigious awards ceremony was held at the Health Promotion Division of the Ghana Health Service, Korle Bu, and brought together key stakeholders in the health sector, nursing and midwifery professionals, students, and advocates for healthcare development.
Over the years, the organisers of the Nightingale Prestigious Awards have observed the remarkable efforts of individuals and groups who tirelessly advocate for nurses and midwives, yet often go unrecognised. The awards scheme was therefore instituted to spotlight such exceptional contributions and celebrate individuals whose work continues to strengthen Ghana’s health systems.
Vivian’s recognition was strongly influenced by the impactful projects and initiatives she has championed at Wisconsin International University College. These include advocacy and awareness programmes focused on women’s health and dignity, notably her Menstrual Health and Hygiene Campaign, which featured free sanitary pad distribution and education on menstrual care to promote confidence and dignity among young women.
In addition, Ms Boakye has led initiatives addressing the mental and emotional well-being of women through talks on stress, anxiety, trauma, and self-care, as well as establishing peer support and counselling referral systems that link students to professional counsellors, nurses, and trusted support resources.
Her leadership also extends to mentorship and empowerment. Through Women Mentorship Circles, she has successfully paired young women with senior students and professionals, while organising confidence and identity workshops centred on self-worth, purpose, and leadership development.
As Women Commissioner, she has been a strong voice for inclusivity and protection, actively representing women’s concerns to university authorities, contributing to policy reviews and feedback processes, and advocating for improved harassment policies and student welfare. She has further supported the creation of anonymous reporting channels to ensure the safe reporting of abuse or discomfort, while fostering collaboration with the university’s health and welfare units.
What sets the Nightingale Prestigious Awards apart is its independence. It is the only award platform not regulated by any association or union, but driven purely by passion, fairness, and dedication. The scheme recognises and celebrates all categories within the profession, including student nurses, rotation nurses, unemployed nurses, clinical and non-clinical staff, community and public health nurses, and midwives of all grades and levels.
Wisconsin International University College, Ghana congratulates Ms. Vivian Tiwaa Boakye on this well-deserved honour and celebrates her exemplary leadership, compassion, and dedication to empowering women and strengthening healthcare advocacy in Ghana.
