The first female to earn a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Ghana

In the heart of West Africa, where cultural, social, and economic challenges often pose obstacles to educational advancement, one woman’s story shines brightly. Gloria Agyeiwaa Antwi Botchway has become a trailblazer, making history as the first female to earn a Ph.D. in Mathematics from the University of Ghana. Her journey is one of perseverance, resilience, and the unbreakable human spirit.

A Humble Beginning

Born into a modest family, Gloria’s early years were marked by financial constraints and adversity. At just six years old, she found herself hawking goods on the streets of Teshie, a bustling town in Ghana’s capital, Accra. Her mother, committed to furthering her own education, left Gloria in the care of relatives. These circumstances were difficult, but they shaped Gloria’s character and ignited a fierce determination within her. Despite the challenges, she remained focused on her education, understanding that it was the key to a brighter future.

Her parents, Mr. Antwi and Mama Maggie, recognized the transformative power of education. They instilled in Gloria a love for learning and a belief that education could break the cycle of poverty. This belief became a guiding light for Gloria, who was determined to rise above her circumstances.

Passion for Mathematics

From an early age, Gloria had a natural affinity for Mathematics. Her passion for the subject was evident in her school years, where she excelled in her studies. Her elective Maths teacher once predicted that she would become a Mathematics lecturer, a prophecy Gloria laughed off at the time. Little did she know that this prediction would soon become a reality.

Reflecting on her journey, Gloria acknowledges the divine orchestration in her life. “I laughed it off then, but little did I know that God was orchestrating my steps towards greatness,” she shared. Today, she sees her achievements as a testament to the power of faith, hard work, and God’s grace.

Breaking Barriers

Earning a Ph.D. in Mathematics is a significant achievement on its own, but doing so as the first female from the University of Ghana makes Gloria’s accomplishment even more remarkable. Her journey was not just about mastering complex mathematical concepts; it was about overcoming societal expectations, gender biases, and financial limitations.

Gloria describes her achievement as “a story of triumph over adversity, of hope in the face of despair, and of the unbreakable human spirit.” Her success is a beacon of hope for anyone facing challenges, a message that one can rise above their circumstances and achieve greatness despite the odds. Gloria’s story resonates with many, especially women and girls who aspire to enter STEM fields but face societal barriers.

A Message of Inspiration

Gloria’s story is not just about her academic achievements; it’s about the countless individuals who supported her along the way. She expresses profound gratitude to her family, teachers, mentors, and friends who stood by her side. She also acknowledges the significant financial support from the UG Carnegie NGAA and The BANGA Africa Project, which were instrumental in her journey.

“I cannot go on without mentioning the University of Ghana, Legon, and the Department of Mathematics, who provided a very conducive environment for me to thrive,” Gloria noted. Her success is a collective victory, highlighting the importance of a supportive community in achieving personal and professional goals.

A Commitment to Empowering Others

Now a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at the University of Ghana, Gloria is deeply committed to academic excellence and student development. She serves as a course advisor, guiding students through their academic journey. Beyond her role as a lecturer, she is actively involved in initiatives that promote the involvement of young women in STEM fields. As a pioneer member of the M-in-the-STEM Project, Gloria is passionate about empowering the next generation of female mathematicians and scientists.

Her efforts are timely and significant. A recent report by Times Higher Education (THE) and UNESCO found that Africa has the highest proportion of female STEM graduates at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with women making up 47% of graduates. Gloria’s work is vital in ensuring that this trend continues, providing more opportunities for women to excel in STEM fields.

A Legacy of Hope and Determination

Gloria Agyeiwaa Antwi Botchway’s journey is a powerful reminder that with determination, hard work, and faith, anything is possible. She stands as a symbol of hope for those who feel trapped, marginalized, or limited by their circumstances. Her story is an inspiration, proving that one can rise above challenges and achieve greatness.

As she continues her academic and mentorship work, Gloria leaves us with a message: “Embrace your struggles, for they are the catalysts for growth. Believe in yourself, even when no one else does. And never, ever give up on your dreams.”

Gloria’s story is far from over. As she forges ahead, breaking new ground and inspiring others, she remains unstoppable—a true pioneer for women in Mathematics.

Mary Winston Jackson‘s remarkable journey to becoming the first Black female engineer at NASA stands as a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. Born on April 9, 1921, in Hampton, Virginia, Jackson excelled academically from a young age, eventually paving her path into a career that would not only break barriers but also inspire future generations of women and minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Growing up in the racially segregated South, Jackson attended Hampton’s all-Black schools, where she graduated with high honors from George P. Phenix Training School in 1937. She went on to earn dual bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and physical science from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) in 1942. Her strong educational background laid the foundation for her future work in mathematics and engineering.

After college, Jackson took on various jobs, including teaching, bookkeeping, and working as a receptionist. These roles, while fulfilling in their own right, did not fully utilize her talents in mathematics. In 1951, her career took a significant turn when she joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA), the predecessor to NASA, as a research mathematician in the segregated West Area Computing unit. This group, which included other prominent African American female mathematicians like Dorothy Vaughan and Katherine Johnson, was tasked with performing complex calculations that were crucial to the success of early space missions.

In 1953, Jackson moved to the Compressibility Research Division at NACA, where she worked under the supervision of engineer Kazimierz Czarnecki in the 4-foot by 4-foot Supersonic Pressure Tunnel. It was here that she had the opportunity to conduct experiments on wind tunnel models, sparking her interest in aeronautical engineering. Recognizing her potential, Czarnecki encouraged Jackson to enter a training program that would allow her to become an engineer. However, due to the racial segregation laws of the time, Jackson had to obtain special permission to attend the classes held at then-segregated Hampton High School alongside her white colleagues. Click here to continue reading about Mary Winston Jackson.

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