WISTEMGh MASTERCARD WORKSHOP 2024

 

BACKGROUND:

Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (WiSTEM_Gh) strives to enhance women's skills in science, technology, and leadership, while also fostering collaboration within and between institutions to nurture a culture of science and technology in the society. The WiSTEM_Gh /Mastercard workshop, held on 24th July 2024 at Noda Hotel, was dedicated to the empowering theme "Failing Forward." This workshop was designed to equip members with the knowledge and tools to turn setbacks into comebacks. The workshop featured two distinguished speakers who delivered insightful presentations on cultivating a growth mindset and the importance of self-care and work-life balance. A call for registration was made and a total of 61 participants registered and indicated their availability for the program (Appendix II). Facilitators were called and a program outline was drawn (Appendix I).Certificates were also issued to all attendees after the program.

SPEAKERS AND TOPICS:

First Speaker; Cultivating a Growth Mindset:

 The first session was led by Rev. Vincent Acquaah, a renowned expert in personal and professional development. His talk emphasized the critical role of a growth mindset in achieving long-term success.

Key points included:

Understanding Mindset and Types Mindset:

• Rev. Acquaah started by defining the concept of mindset, explaining that it influences how we perceive and react to various situations. He described two types of mindsets: growth mindset and fixed mindset. He contrasted these by explaining that individuals with a growth mindset believe their talents can be developed through effort, effective strategies, and feedback from others, whereas those with a fixed mindset think their abilities are innate and unchangeable.

Key points included:

Understanding Mindset and Types Mindset:

·         Rev. Acquaah started by defining the concept of mindset, explaining that it influences how we perceive and react to various situations. He described two types of mindsets: growth mindset and fixed mindset. He contrasted these by explaining that individuals with a growth mindset believe their talents can be developed through effort, effective strategies, and feedback from others, whereas those with a fixed mindset think their abilities are innate and unchangeable.

• Challenges Women Face in Africa and how to embrace the Challenges:  He enumerated various challenges in both career and personal lives, including gender discrimination, workplace harassment, cultural norms and stereotypes, societal expectations, and health issues. He encouraged participants to see these challenges not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for growth and learning.

• Learning from Failure: The session emphasized the importance of reframing failure as a learning experience. Rev. provided practical examples and techniques for analyzing failures to extract valuable lessons and insights.

• Strategies for Growth: He concluded by offering practical strategies for fostering a growth mindset, such as cultivating positive thinking, setting appropriate priorities, establishing clear goals, networking with the right people, and celebrating small victories.

 

Second Speaker: Self-Care and Work-Life Balance

The second session was presented by Mrs. Ama Duncan, a respected wellness coach, founder of the Fabulous Women Network and author. Her talk focused on the crucial aspects of self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Highlights included:

• • Importance of Self-Care: Mrs. Duncan began by underscoring the importance of self-care in achieving overall well-being. She explained how self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health.

     

• • Balancing Work and Personal Life: She provided practical tips for managing time effectively, setting boundaries, and prioritizing tasks. Ama shared techniques for creating a balanced schedule that accommodates both professional responsibilities and personal interests. 

       

• • Stress Management: The session included an in-depth discussion on identifying stressors and implementing strategies to manage and reduce stress. Ama, introduced various stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and time management skills.

      

• • Mindfulness and Relaxation: Ama concluded by introducing mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques that can be easily incorporated into daily routines. She led a brief mindfulness exercise, demonstrating its benefits for mental clarity and stress reduction.

  

Interactive Sessions:

Following the presentations, the workshop included interactive sessions that fostered engagement and practical application of the concepts discussed:

• Questions and Answers Sessions: Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and seek personalized advice from both speakers. This session allowed for deeper exploration of the topics and provided practical solutions to specific challenges faced by participants.

• Personal Reflections: Participants were encouraged to reflect on their own experiences with failure and share their insights and strategies for overcoming challenges. This session promoted a sense of community and mutual support, as participants learned from each other's experiences.

CONCLUSION

The WiSTEM_Gh/Mastercard workshop on "Failing Forward" was a resounding success. It provided valuable knowledge and practical tools for members to embrace failure positively and use it as a catalyst for growth. The event fostered a supportive and empowering environment where attendees could learn, share, and grow both personally and professionally. Building on the success of this workshop, WiSTEM_Gh and Mastercard plan to continue offering similar events focused on personal and professional development.