Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Ghana (WiSTEMGh), in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, has empowered participants to redefine leadership and thrive in both life and career.
This followed a transformative two-day capacity-building workshop in Kumasi, themed “Strategies to Win at Both Life and Career.”
The event was headlined by renowned leadership and personal development coach, Mrs. Millicent Clarke, who delivered an inspiring keynote on “Redefining Your Power: Practical Leadership for Women.”
With decades of experience mentoring women across Africa, Mrs. Clarke guided participants through powerful sessions on self-awareness, strategic goal-setting, and sustainable leadership. She urged participants to embrace authenticity, assertiveness, and emotional intelligence as core leadership strengths.
“We must unlearn the idea that we need permission to lead,” Clarke asserted. “Leadership starts with clarity of purpose, and it grows through consistency and confidence.”
She emphasized the importance of mental resilience and self-care, especially for women balancing multiple responsibilities.
“Burnout is real. But prioritising your well-being is not selfish, it’s strategic,” she noted.
Using real-life case studies and interactive activities, Clarke explored how women can build influence in male-dominated spaces without compromising their values. She tackled common challenges faced by working women such as hustle culture, unrealistic expectations, and perpetual connectivity.
“The most successful aren’t the busiest, they’re the most focused on what truly matters,” she said. “Stop trying to do more; start focusing on getting the right things done.”
She further discussed the realities of opportunity cost in the pursuit of a high-performance life:
“If you can’t integrate both work and life, be present wholly present in whatever you choose to do.”
Addressing mentorship, Mrs. Clarke described it as a powerful relationship with someone who has walked the path before and can guide one’s journey.
“Mentorship isn’t about hierarchy. It’s about support, self-awareness, confidence, and career growth.”
The Chairperson of WiSTEMGh-KNUST, Professor Ibok Nsa Oduro, delivered a rousing call to action, encouraging participants to view their involvement in WiSTEMGh as a higher calling.
“If you don’t see this as a calling, you won’t do what you’re supposed to do,” she said. “You are an embodiment of inspiration. Your community needs you.”
She stressed the importance of unity and mutual support among members and encouraged participants to stay engaged beyond institutional boundaries. Drawing on her own leadership journey, she referenced a recent dialogue with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo on gender issues as an example of purpose-driven outreach.
Participants also took part in breakout sessions that addressed real-life challenges, mentor-mentee dynamics, essential qualities of both roles, and how to identify and nurture successful mentorship relationships.
