On Wednesday September 10, I had the privilege of attending the She Builds Conference, a programme organised by The Academic Woman Foundation—a foundation with a clear vision of seeing women equally represented, respected, and resourced to lead boldly and live fully. It was more than just another gathering of brilliant minds; it was a reminder that as women, we carry within us the power to shape the future when we dare to dream and put in the work.
The conference brought together women from diverse fields—law, engineering, entrepreneurship, politics, and academia. Listening to them share their stories was both humbling and empowering. I walked into the room curious, but I walked out convinced that the journey of womanhood is not only about chasing success but also about embodying confidence, humility, resilience, and faith.
One lesson that stood out for me was the reminder to be confident but never proud. In a world where women constantly have to prove themselves, it is easy to confuse confidence with arrogance. But true confidence, as echoed by the speakers, comes from knowing your worth while still valuing others. I also learned that how we present ourselves matters greatly—whether in our careers or social engagements. Dressing for the occasion, as the vice chancellor of the University of Health and Allies Sciences(UHAS), Professor Lydia Aziato put it, is not vanity but intentionality.
The powerful words of women like Dr. Anatu Mahama, founder of The Academic Woman Foundation, Angela Mensah-Poku of MTN Ghana, and Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, resonated deeply with me. Their journeys are proof that challenges will come, but they do not define us. Rather, they refine us. The encouragement to never give up on dreams was not delivered as a cliché but as a lived truth—every success story shared carried the marks of persistence and sacrifice.
Yet, perhaps the most moving reminder for me was the emphasis on the God factor. Too often, in the chase for professional excellence and recognition, we forget the One who gives us the ability to rise. Each speaker, in her own way, echoed the importance of anchoring our ambitions in faith. For me, this was not just inspiring—it was grounding. It was a call to align my dreams with God’s purpose and to trust Him through the highs and lows.
The Academic Woman Foundation itself is a testament to what women can achieve when they identify a gap and decide to bridge it. Born in Ghana, the foundation recognizes that women, especially in the Global South, are often denied platforms that honor their experiences and amplify their voices. Through initiatives like mentoring programs, thought leadership articles, and landmark events like the She Builds Conference, the foundation is shifting the narrative, in line with global goals of equality, quality education, and decent work.
As I sat among women who have made remarkable strides in their fields, I felt a quiet fire ignite in me. I realised that “she builds” is not just a theme—it is a call to action. A call for women like me to build our confidence, our careers, our communities, and most importantly, our faith.
The conference was not just about listening to successful women; it was about becoming one. And as I walked away, I carried with me a renewed commitment: to work hard, stay humble, never abandon my dreams, and above all, never forget God.
Because indeed, she builds—not alone, but with confidence, purpose, and God.
