The She Builds Conference, organised by The Academic Women’s Foundation, was a well-organised event that examined the status of women in entrepreneurship, law, engineering, and the built environment in Ghana.

It aimed to chart future pathways for growth and collaboratively develop practical strategies to break barriers while fostering inclusion, innovation, and leadership.

'We need to build confidence in the girl child' - Patricia Adusei-Poku

Attended by several outstanding women who are breaking glass ceilings and excelling in their respective sectors, including politics, entrepreneurship, law, and engineering, the event marked the beginning of a remarkable program aimed at inspiring young women and championing increased female representation.

The event was climaxed by a motivational and powerful TED Talk by Ms. Patricia Adusei-Poku, Chairperson of the Lawyers Hub–Kenya.

Her words resonated throughout the auditorium, with attendees nodding in agreement, connecting and relating to her inspiring message.

Speaking at the event, she inspired the young women attendees by sharing her life experiences and the challenges she faced while rising through the ranks in the corporate world.

According to her, she began her career in public service at the young age of 21; however, during her law studies overseas, she quit halfway in her first year.

“From the age of 21, I've worked for government. I left Ghana after sixth form and went to the UK where I was originally born to carry on studying. My father put me in the Guildhall University in London to study law. I went in there, stayed with family and by the middle of the first year, I quit university. I left and you’d ask me why? Because I found a boyfriend.

“I really loved him, wanted to get married and as a young girl, I've always loved the family system… From a very young age, I wanted to have many children and be married. I fell in love with this guy and I quit law school,” she recounted.

Despite her experiences, Ms. Adusei-Poku said she wasn’t discouraged but persevered and fought on to achieve the success she boasts of today, despite setbacks.

She advised young women to take accountability for their actions.

“My advice to you is that be responsible for your own actions. My parents ensured that when you make a decision, they support you, they don't tell you off,” she said.

Patricia Adusei-Poku advices women against gatekeeping mindset

Ms. Adusei-Poku also advised, saying; “Setbacks are normal for life. When you get a setback, it's time to have your reflections. You reflect about the decisions you made and then you find a way to plough on.

"… Everyone should believe in something. You believe in God or Allah or something, but whatever you believe in becomes you.”

Watch as Adusei-Poku speaks on career journey and life at She Builds Conference:



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