EfD Ghana brought together early-career women in environmental and development economics for a workshop themed “Navigating career challenges and institutional barriers for early-career women in development economics.” The event provided a supportive space for participants to reflect on building academic careers in fields where women remain underrepresented, fostering honest dialogue, solidarity, and renewed confidence.
A major contributor to the workshop’s impact was the keynote address by Ifesinachi Okafor, Professor of Sustainable Development at the University of St Andrews. Drawing on her journey as a scholar, mother, wife, and woman navigating a male-dominated field, she spoke candidly about challenges often left unvoiced. Her openness encouraged participants to share their own experiences, highlighting personal hurdles, defining moments, and practical strategies for overcoming institutional and personal barriers.
Ifesinachi Okafor emphasized the transformative role of supportive relationships and offered practical guidance for thriving in academia: plan intentionally, seek mentors who stretch your capacity, embrace challenging opportunities, and stay anchored in purpose even when environments feel discouraging.
Confronting structural barriers
Discussions facilitated by EfD Ghana Director Wisdom Akpalu explored common structural challenges that do not always protect or advance women’s interests. While these barriers were familiar, the value came from hearing them articulated within a diverse group whose varied backgrounds enriched understanding and made the lessons more relatable.
For many, the conversations were eye-opening and transformative.
“I have learnt not to belittle myself… no challenge can put you down and the sky is our limit,” said Zuliehatu Nakobu from the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.
“Rise by lifting others”
The seminar closed with a focus on personal agency -- taking ownership of one’s decisions and being willing to make necessary sacrifices – and the importance of solidarity over competition. The principle “Rise by lifting others” emerged as a core takeaway, highlighting mentorship, collaboration, and collective support as tools for shared advancement.
"This was a much-needed rejuvenation session,” shared Stella Naa Dzagble Arthiabah, Assistant Lecturer at the University of Environment and Sustainable Development, Somanya. “It gave women from different backgrounds the opportunity to freely engage, tell their own stories, ask questions, and gain fresh perspectives and energy to carry on.
”Held on 24 November at ISSER, the seminar brought together women researchers from diverse institutions, social, and religious backgrounds. It marked a significant step toward strengthening inclusion, empowerment, and professional growth among early-career women researchers, and laid the foundation for building the Women in Environmental Economics for Development (WinEED) network in Ghana.
By Vicentia Quartey