This week on Womanity – Women in Unity, Dr Amaleya Goneos-Malka talks to Professor Elizabeth Asiedu, a globally recognized economics professor from Howard University, and founder of the Association for the Advancement of African Women Economists (AAAWE). With her extraordinary career trajectory, Professor Asiedu shares her experiences as a trailblazer in the traditionally male-dominated field of economics, offering invaluable lessons in resilience, mentorship, and leadership.

The episode begins with her journey from Ghana, where she earned a degree in mathematics and computer science, to the United States, where she transitioned into economics during a time of economic turbulence in her home country. This pivotal moment motivated her to seek solutions to complex economic problems, ultimately leading her to earn a PhD in economics. Professor Asiedu provides heartfelt reflections on adapting to new cultures, overcoming challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, and her commitment to leveraging her education to create meaningful change.

As a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, Professor Asiedu founded Association for the Advancement of African Women Economists (AAAWE) in 2011 to address the stark gender imbalance in economics. AAAWE now boasts over 1,100 members from 67 countries, providing mentorship, training, and networking opportunities for African women economists. She shares powerful stories of how the organization has empowered women to break barriers, including a young South Sudanese economist who attended her first international conference, leaving inspired to advance her career. Through initiatives like mentorship programs and conferences, Professor Asiedu emphasizes the importance of building strong professional networks to counter isolation and systemic barriers.

The discussion shifts to the critical role of women in economic development, particularly in Africa, where women-owned businesses play a significant role in community upliftment but often face systemic challenges, especially in accessing finance. Professor Asiedu highlights the importance of deliberate, gender-sensitive policies to support women entrepreneurs, recognizing the ripple effects of empowering women on families, communities, and economies.

From a leadership perspective, she describes her philosophy as one of service, mentorship, and inclusivity, sharing insights on how women can navigate leadership roles despite societal and cultural expectations. She offers practical advice for women aspiring to leadership, urging them to pursue their goals with clarity, courage, and purpose. Drawing from her own experiences, she discusses the importance of being mindful of constraints while developing strategies to overcome them.

This episode also addresses the pressing global issue of gender parity. Reflecting on the World Economic Forum’s sobering estimate that it will take over 150 years to close the global gender gap, Professor Asiedu underscores the urgency of accelerating change. She advocates for a future where women’s contributions to all fields, particularly economics, are valued and amplified.

Professor Asiedu’s parting message to women and girls is one of empowerment: dream big, never give up, and don’t let anyone define your capabilities. Her words are a rallying cry for resilience, self-determination and ambition.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the transformative power of women in economics and beyond, as Professor Elizabeth Asiedu shares her insights on breaking barriers, building networks, and driving impactful change across the globe.

Tune in for more…