Dr. Mary-Magdalene Pedavoah, a senior lecturer at C.K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences (CKT-UTAS), has emphasized that having a strong support network is crucial for achieving success in any field. She highlighted the importance of being open to risks, maintaining a positive mindset, and making the most of every opportunity that comes one’s way.
This conversation took place as Ghana joined the global celebration of the International Day of Girls and Women in Science on February 11, 2025, an event aimed at promoting the role of women and girls in the field of science.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Dr. Pedavoah said that while dreams might seem grand, breaking them down into manageable goals can lead to steady progress. She suggested that individuals should focus on what they want to do rather than what they want to be. By doing so, people can remain flexible and open to a variety of career paths within the same sector of interest.
“Dreams are huge, but when you break them down, you’ll gradually achieve them. Asking ‘What do you want to be?’ makes it very narrow. Instead, ask, ‘What do you want to do?’ If you want to work in the health sector but don’t end up as a doctor, you might still contribute as a nutritionist. Either way, you’re still in the health sector.”
Addressing today’s youth, Dr. Pedavoah noted that they have unprecedented access to technology, which should be harnessed for learning and innovation. Unlike previous generations, young people now have the tools to work smarter, not harder. However, she pointed out that many are not fully utilizing these resources.
“They have a lot of opportunities that they are not making use of. They shouldn’t even work hard—they should work smart. It’s easier for them today than in our time, but unfortunately, they are not taking advantage of these opportunities.”
She encouraged young people to be strategic in their approach to education and career development, stressing that technology has become a central aspect of every field and that staying ahead requires careful planning and dedication.
“Eventually, technology is everything, and you need to be strategic in what you want to do. Otherwise, you will leave school and struggle to find your place. They should be strategic in all they do and recognize that technology is here to stay—it has come to help, but they must find their niche.”
Dr. Pedavoah also underscored the importance of encouraging women and girls to pursue careers in science and technology. She highlighted the current gender disparity in these fields and called for greater efforts to bring more women on board. She believes that increased female participation in science and technology will lead to more innovation and solutions to global challenges.
“The number of women in technology and science is not encouraging. We need to bring more women on board because as more women join, there will be more innovation and more solutions to the world’s problems.”
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
