20 Dec 2025

Mariam El Boakye-Gyasi

The role of women in advancing pharmacy, science and education cannot be overemphasised. 

Mentorship, a good research focus, and discipline in time management are some key success factors that have promoted my development.

As a teenager growing up in Ghana, the choice to study general science in senior high school, though a daunting task for many, came easily to me. After this, the next hurdle was to choose a programme of study at the university. I was spoilt for choice. Did I have a specific interest? No, but almost every young science student wanted to be a medical doctor. 

My memory took me back to one late afternoon in high school when we were invited to our chapel which sometimes served as an auditorium for gatherings.

We were visited by a group of about ten past students whom we affectionately called ‘Old Girls’, and who were now students of the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. They shared their experiences with us, including architecture, engineering, agriculture, and pharmacy.This was the first time I had heard of the pharmacy profession. The Old Girl who shared her experience was a confident but soft-spoken woman. I was hooked! I had found my path. Who would have thought that this decision would lead an impressionable young woman, many years later, becoming the first female Professor of Pharmaceutics in Ghana?

Imagine at each stage in the life of a young woman, a world of resources available to guide her choices: role models, avenues for mentorship, supportive guardians, and a conducive environment.

I seize every opportunity to interact with young women, both formally and informally, with the goal of impacting the next generation, by training top quality pharmacists and future leaders.

I have always consciously avoided gender stereotypes. There are so many instances where women have been subtly encouraged not to pursue leadership roles irrespective of how qualified they may be. Wherever I find myself, I do my best not to encourage these detrimental beliefs. If we challenge societal biases, we can release a lot of talent for our collective development.

How can we ensure inclusive environments which are free from discrimination and promote equal opportunities for all? I choose to serve as a role model to the younger generation by sharing my experiences, both positive and negative, because visible role models positively impact young women to achieve dreams and attain goals through mentorship.

It is okay to ask for help. We cannot do it all and we cannot contribute meaningfully if we are burned out or overwhelmed. We need not wait until everything is perfect before we inspire and motivate. There are no perfect times and places. Let us grasp the little opportunities every now and then to positively make a mark.

I strongly believe in the one maxim that has guided my career so far: Anything worth doing is worth doing well.

 

Associate Professor, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana