Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana and renowned Quiz Mistress of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), has urged women to make personal decisions about marriage and motherhood free from societal pressure.
Speaking on TV3’s Today’s Woman, Prof. Kaufmann shared that while motherhood has been deeply meaningful in her own life, it is not a mandatory path for every woman.
“Not every woman should be a mother, not biologically,” she stated.
“We can all be mothers because we have something to offer, hopefully positive. So even if they’re not your biological children, you can influence them in that way. For biological motherhood, it is a choice.”
She equally admonished women against feeling obligated to become wives simply to satisfy external expectations.
“Not every woman should be a wife. Not at all, and it is okay to choose not to,” she said. “Society will always breathe down your neck, even if you choose to be a wife. At the end of the day, what is most important is to reflect on your own life as a woman and decide that you have made choices that you’re comfortable with, not because you have been coerced or forced to please someone else.”
The Professor advised young girls to identify the impact they wish to make and remain committed to their goals.
“Figure out your contribution to the world, work really hard at it, and enjoy the journey,” she encouraged.
