If you set your mind to it, you can make it happen – Women and Girls in Science and Technology 2023

Elizabeth and Jasmine working in the laboratories at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

Every year the 11th of February is dedicated to the UN Day for Women and Girls in Science and Technology that recognizes the role of women in science, and encourages girls to pursue studies and careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. To celebrate the date, we had the opportunity to ask our friends and colleagues Elizabeth Cudjoe and Jasmine Dowuona who work at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in Ghana about her studies and work in medical research. 

How did you end up studying natural sciences? 

Elizabeth: Growing up as a child with parents who were teachers, the academic expectation was higher. Aiso, as a child I thought doctors had to be male and nurses female because that was the situation back then. I loved reading anything written or printed and was  fascinated to know that women could become doctors too: That was when I decided that I was going to become a pediatrician. My best subject was mathematics but I loved science as well. It was not surprising that after the Basic Education Certificate Examination, with all the different secondary school choices and subjects available, I had only one goal; General Science. After Senior high School, there was no turning back so I automatically found myself in the  Biological Sciences.

Jasmine: Being a curious child, I always found myself asking questions; wanting to know why things work the way they do. Since Junior High School, I have been fascinated about how cells work and about nature. With my dream to be a pharmacist, I studied Science in the Senior High School, and I particularly loved Chemistry. My keen interest in studying drug development and molecular biology of infectious diseases was developed after my Biochemistry degree.

How would you explain what you do at work to someone who’s not familiar with the field? 

Elizabeth: It is always a bit challenging to explain Medical research to those not familiar with the field. However, I always tell people that what medical researchers like myself do is to conduct and investigate human diseases; how the diseases occur, what happens to the human body when it occurs, how to diagnose or test for the presence of the disease, and also how to treat and prevent them. The results from the research medical scientists conduct provide information for clinicians and pharmacists so when one is sick and goes to the clinic or hospital, they know what is wrong with you and what to give you to treat it.

Jasmine: At Aqsens GH, we are currently working to develop a new diagnostic tool for screening malaria and other diseases. Basically, we collect saliva samples and test using the new method we have developed to know if an individual is positive or negative. I spend most of my time in the laboratory performing experiments, reading articles and analysing the results obtained.

What are the things you enjoy most in your work or in your studies? 

Elizabeth: The fact that what I do contributes immensely to improve human health. There is always something interesting that comes out of an experiment or study and it directly or indirectly fuels the next research or experiment.

Jasmine: Science is extremely interesting and there are always opportunities to dive into different careers. What excites me the most is the possibility of making huge discoveries during your experiments. I find studies on cancer and infectious diseases to be intriguing, and the development of diagnostic tools for these disorders inspires me a lot. Also, my wonderful AQH team always keeps me going.

How about the most challenging things? 

Elizabeth: It was in university that I experienced my first ever failure, Physical Chemistry I. The resulting fear and disappointment led to many more failures and I was very devastated. Health issues made things worse and I lost faith in myself. Once I met my supervisor and mentor, Prof. Linda Eva Amoah, and she started entrusting other young scientists to me for guidance, I regained faith in myself and realized that nothing is impossible if only we don’t give up. Challenges, I have realized, are a part of our daily lives and they teach us to be better people, to plan more effectively, work even more efficiently and learn to explore. 

Jasmine: Research work can be slow and very expensive to do particularly in our part of the world and this makes it challenging. Moreover, experiments might not always turn out as expected and therefore you will have to troubleshoot to solve those problems.

How would you encourage people to pursue a career in natural sciences?

Elizabeth: Reading and mentorship will help people pursue careers in natural sciences. My interest in natural sciences was birthed through reading and I was privileged to get a great mentor to make me really appreciate science. I would encourage young people to read and also interact with people in the natural sciences. 

Jasmine: Personally, I strongly believe that pursuing a career in the sciences is an excellent choice and I have never regretted that decision. After studying natural science, it prepares you adequately for any career field you want to pursue. It has a network of opportunities for the future because of its versatile nature. Studying Science will enable you to think critically, learn problem solving and also improve your analytical skills.

Any messages to young people, and especially girls, who are interested in chemistry or biomedicine? 

Elizabeth: I believe nothing is unattainable if only we make up our minds and strive towards it. To all the young people out there wondering if you could be successful in Chemistry or biomedicine, it sorely depends on your willingness. Once you are willing and put in the effort required, you are set. You will also need good mentors to help direct and guide you. It is nothing scary. On the other hand, it is fun and rewarding to know that you are contributing to the medical and health sector. 

Jasmine: It's thrilling to study STEM and its related subjects as it builds you up to transfer the skills learnt to other spheres of life. To all the young girls out there, nothing is too difficult to be done. With perseverance and hard work you can overcome all the hurdles ahead, that’s how you can succeed in the scientific world. Just focus on what interests you the most and be your best wherever you are.

Even though progress has been made in getting women and girls more representation in higher education, a significant gender gap still persists at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines in many parts of the world. Join us in encouraging women and girls all over the world to pursue their dreams in the field of science by sharing your story online!

Read more about this year’s theme here.