Empowering Women in Innovation: The UGBS NEST Hosts the Women in Innovation Leadership Workshop

On June 30th, 2025, the University of Ghana Business School Innovation and Incubation Hub, in collaboration with Dr. Thelma Ohene-Agyei senior lecture from the School of Pharmacy, successfully hosted the Women in Innovation Leadership Workshop—an inspiring event aimed at empowering female students in STIE ( Science, Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship) fields. This initiative is part of Phase III of the broader BRIInG Project, designed to promote technology capacity building in rural Ghana and foster gender equality in innovation. This workshop brought together passionate female students from diverse faculties, including Pharmacy, Engineering, Business Administration, Agriculture, and IT, fostering a vibrant environment for leadership, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.

The day kicked off with a warm welcome from Dr. Priscilla Otuo, the Hub Coordinator, who highlighted the Hub’s ongoing initiatives and emphasized the significance of empowering women within the broader context of the BRIInG Project’s goals in facilitating innovation and capacity building among rural communities in Ghana. Participants engaged in icebreaker activities designed to foster connections and create a supportive community atmosphere.

A key highlight was the panel discussion moderated by Dr. Thelma Ohene-Agyei. Esteemed panelists shared their journeys, discussing the challenges women face in leadership and entrepreneurship, the motivators behind their success, and the impactful initiatives they have led. Panelists included Juliana Ametorwogo, Telecommunications Engineer at Telecel Ghana; Maame Adwoa Sam-Brew, Country Head at Novartis Ghana Limited; and Martha Adjorlolo, Chief Assistant Farm Manager at the Livestock and Poultry Research Centre (LIPREC), University of Ghana. Their stories inspired attendees and sparked meaningful conversations about resilience, innovation, and female empowerment.

Following the discussion, participants took part in hands-on training covering business, negotiation, leadership, and decision-making. and the Business Canvas Model—a strategic tool to define and develop innovative products and services. They then applied these skills in group activities, where they brainstormed solutions targeting health and rural community challenges, culminating in presentations that showcased their creative ideas. The groups presented their solutions, receiving constructive feedback from facilitators and peers, fostering collaborative learning and creativity.

The event concluded with reflections, the collection of feedback through evaluation forms, and the distribution of certificates, celebrating the achievements of these future women leaders. The participants also networked, opening doors for future collaborations and mentorship opportunities.

This workshop exemplifies the commitment of the UGBS Innovation and Incubation Hub and the broader efforts of the BRIInG Project to empower women and underrepresented groups in Ghana. By promoting leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the Hub continues to nurture talents that will contribute to sustainable development and social change across Ghana and the continent.