Women leaders in business, healthcare and entrepreneurship have encouraged young women innovators to embrace resilience, adaptability and innovation as they pursue careers in STEM and entrepreneurship during a panel discussion at FemSTEM Africa 2026.
The discussion formed part of activities at the maiden FemSTEM Africa conference hosted by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in partnership with the Africa Health Collaborative and the Mastercard Foundation.
Speaking during the session, the CEO of Sinapi Aba Savings and Loans Trust, Mrs. Joyce Owusu-Dabo, described resilience as one of the most important qualities required for entrepreneurial success.
“You do not run away because a challenge has cropped up. You stay and find solutions to that challenge and move on,” she stated.
According to her, successful businesses are not built on perfect conditions but on persistence, focus and the ability to navigate uncertainty. She noted that while the vision for success often appears clear and straightforward, the reality of the journey can be far more challenging. She therefore emphasised that maintaining focus on one's goals is what sustains progress, adding that resilience and commitment are essential for overcoming obstacles and staying on course when difficulties arise.
Mrs. Owusu-Dabo encouraged participants to start small rather than waiting for ideal conditions before pursuing their ideas.
“It is not always about the big money; it is about how you manage what you have and grow it,” she explained.
She also stressed the importance of mentorship, networking and continuous skill development in sustaining businesses and creating long-term impact.
“A mentor helps you avoid mistakes they may have made themselves. Networks also create opportunities for your products, services and growth,” she added.
Executive Director of Barbex Africa Projects Ltd, Ms. Mary Asante-Asamoah, also shared lessons from her entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on how her childhood dream of working with the United Nations eventually evolved into a career in mining and family business development.
According to her, entrepreneurship is not always about creating entirely new businesses but can also involve improving and sustaining existing ventures.
She recounted how frustrations she experienced while working in her family business later inspired her to establish a consulting venture that now supports family-owned businesses facing similar challenges.
“Every problem presents an opportunity. Sometimes the very thing frustrating you today becomes the foundation for your purpose tomorrow,” she stated.
Ms. Asante-Asamoah encouraged participants to remain open to unexpected opportunities and to approach challenges with determination and excellence.
Chief Medical Officer at KNUST University Health Services, Dr. Bhavana Singh, urged participants to observe real-life challenges within their communities and develop practical, culturally relevant solutions to address them.
She highlighted persistent issues such as limited healthcare access, maternal health challenges and inadequate healthcare infrastructure as areas where young innovators can make meaningful contributions.
“Innovation must not only be technologically smart but also culturally intelligent,” she noted.
Dr. Singh emphasised the importance of designing solutions that consider community beliefs, local realities and stakeholder involvement to ensure sustainability and impact.
Throughout the discussion, the speakers encouraged participants to view challenges as opportunities for creativity and innovation rather than obstacles to success. They also underscored the importance of mental wellness, support systems and continuous self-development in navigating the pressures associated with entrepreneurship and leadership.
