Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Associate Professor and Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, has stated that women-led mentorship must become a central strategy for building sustainable leadership in technology.
Speaking virtually at the Females in Tech (FEMITECH) Conference on the topic ’Building Sustainable Tech Leadership Through Women-Led Mentorship ‘ on March 11, Prof. Kaufmann called on institutions, companies, and innovation hubs to intentionally design mentorship systems that empower women in science and technology fields.
Prof. Kaufmann emphasized that mentorship plays a critical role in shaping the next generation of technology leaders.
She noted that while progress has been made in gender representation in science and technology, women still remain significantly underrepresented across many technical fields.
“Leadership in technology cannot be left to chance. It must be cultivated intentionally. One of the most powerful tools we have to do is mentorship, especially women-led mentorship,” Prof. Kaufmann disclosed.
According to Prof. Kaufmann, global statistics reveal persistent gender gaps within the technology workforce.
“Women account for roughly 33 percent of researchers worldwide and about 28 percent of the technology workforce. In computing, women represent approximately 25 percent of roles, while engineering positions show an even wider gap, with women occupying only about 15 percent,” she added.
She explained that these figures highlight a deeper structural challenge within the technology ecosystem.
“These statistics are not just numbers. They represent missed inventions, unbuilt companies, and problems that remain unsolved because diverse voices are missing from the conversation. In Ghana, the situation mirrors global trends. Data from the Ghana Statistical Service indicate that women account for roughly 25 percent of workers in technical and engineering occupations. Representation is even lower in fields such as engineering and computer science, where leadership opportunities are often shaped early in careers,” she said.
Prof. Kaufmann said mentorship programs can play a transformative role in reversing these trends. Research shows that structured mentorship initiatives can increase women’s leadership representation by about 30 percent.
“When women mentor women, something powerful happens,” she said. “We combine representation with lived experience, turning abstract possibilities into visible and navigable career paths.”
She explained that women mentors often provide unique forms of support that go beyond technical guidance.
“These include emotional support, community building, and practical career advice that helps younger professionals navigate workplace challenges. Empathy invites honest conversations about challenges that many women face in their careers. Mentorship provides a safe environment to develop resilience and confidence,” she said.
Prof. Kaufmann also highlighted the collaborative nature of many women-led mentorship networks, which often prioritize community over competition. These networks create long-term professional relationships that continue to support participants throughout their careers.
“These stories show a clear pattern. Mentorship multiplies potential. And when women lead mentorship, that multiplier becomes even stronger,” she stressed.
However, Prof. Kaufmann disclosed that mentorship must move beyond informal relationships if it is to have a lasting impact. She urged organizations to institutionalize mentorship by creating structured programs with clear goals, training, and measurable outcomes.
She also encouraged organizations to adopt multi-level mentorship models where senior professionals mentor mid-career women, who in turn support younger professionals and students. Such systems create continuous learning pipelines that sustain leadership development over time.
Technology, she added, can also help expand mentorship opportunities beyond geographical boundaries. Digital platforms can connect mentors and mentees across countries, enabling talented women in regions with fewer role models to access guidance and professional networks.
Ultimately, Prof. Kaufmann said sustainable leadership in technology requires a broader shift in how institutions think about talent development.
She concluded by urging stakeholders in the technology ecosystem to invest in mentorship as a long-term strategy for innovation and societal progress.
The event brought together several distinguished speakers, including: Ing. Dr. Lucy Agyepong, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Academic City University College; Mrs. Etta Mosore, Deputy Director General, Managerial Operations – National Communications Authority (NCA); Jada Badu, CEO, Uber Ghana; Ms. Margaret Ansei, CEO, Ghana Enterprise Agency and Winifred Kotin, Eagle Innovations among others.
This year’s FEMITECH Conference, marking its fourth edition, was simultaneously held in Bolgatanga, Upper West Region; Nkwanta South, Oti Region, and Sunyani, Bono Region.