Dear Obaa Yaa,

I need your advice on something I have been experiencing at work. I am a young employee working in an organisation where most of the people in leadership positions are much older than me.

I respect their experience and authority, but sometimes I feel that being young means my opinions are automatically treated as less important.

There are situations where I have noticed problems with the way certain things are done. I have also had ideas that I believe could improve some of our processes. But whenever I try to raise them, I am sometimes told that I am too young to understand how things work.

Recently, I made a suggestion during a meeting, and instead of discussing the idea, my supervisor asked me how long I have been working in the organisation.

I understand that experience matters. Leadership also requires wisdom and maturity. But does being young mean we should remain silent until we become older?

What worries me most is that many young employees around me have good ideas but are afraid to speak. They fear being labelled disrespectful, difficult or rebellious. Some simply keep quiet and do what they are told, even when they know something could be done better.

Obaa Yaa, where should the balance be between respecting leadership and speaking up? Should young employees simply follow instructions, or should leaders create an environment where young workers can question, contribute and even challenge ideas respectfully?

Alfred, Amasaman.

Dear Alfred,

 A young worker should respect experience and authority, but leadership should also judge ideas on their merit rather than the age of the person presenting them.

Being young does not mean you have nothing valuable to contribute. At the same time, being experienced does not mean an older person is always right. The workplace needs both experience and fresh ideas.

Your responsibility as a young employee is not to remain silent, but to learn how to speak in a way that demonstrates respect, professionalism and maturity.

When you identify a problem, avoid approaching your supervisor as though you have discovered a mistake they were too ignorant to notice. Instead, explain the issue respectfully and, where possible, present a practical solution.

That approach does not undermine authority. It demonstrates initiative.

And leaders should create room for young employees to contribute without making them feel that speaking up is an act of disrespect.

Don’t keep quiet just because you are young. Learn, listen, respect authority and speak up when you have something meaningful to contribute.

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Dear Obaa Yaa,

I am 25 and my boyfriend is 28 years of age. We have dated for the past two years.  Hopefully we have decided to tie the knot early next year. He is a very good and kind man. But his abusive nature is getting out of hand.

I am aware every individual have flaws but my husband’s attitude is putting me off.

He would slap, insult or beat me up whenever there is a misunderstanding.

I have complained to my parents about his attitude yet they are telling me to be patient since I don’t know my faith in the next relationship.

 My parents are pleading with me to marry him because he would turn a new leaf.  I am torn between leaving him and maintaining him.

Akushika, Lapaz.

Dear Akushika,

If your boyfriend is already abusive before marriage, do not ignore it or assume marriage will change him.

 Abuse is not a sign of love, and marriage does not automatically make an abusive person become better.

If he insults you, threatens you, controls you, humiliates you, beats you, or constantly makes you afraid, you have every right to reconsider the relationship and call off the marriage.

 Your safety and peace of mind should come before the wedding plans, family expectations, or money already spent on preparations.

Speak to someone you trust and, if necessary, seek professional or legal support. If you fear that he may hurt you when you tell him you are ending the relationship, do not confront him alone. Make your safety plan first and involve trusted people.

It is better to stop a marriage today than to enter a marriage hoping that an abusive partner will change tomorrow. You are not failing by choosing to protect yourself. You are making a decision about your future and your safety.