BY Daniel Bampoe
Three accomplished Ghanaian women have turned their personal experiences of combining motherhood, professional careers and demanding doctoral studies into a book aimed at encouraging women to pursue their dreams despite difficult circumstances.
The book, “Dr Mummy (PhD),” was launched in Accra on Sunday, September 20, 2021, at an event attended by former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Joe Ghartey, pastors and other distinguished guests.
Authored by Lauraine Darkwah, Sheryl Acquah Laate and Dr (Mrs.) Ernestina Anna Azumah, the publication documents their experiences navigating what they describe as the challenging worlds of “PhDhood and Motherhood.”
The authors said the book was written particularly for women trying to balance academic work, careers, marriage and raising children. Their central message is that motherhood should not bring an end to ambition, and that women can pursue demanding academic and professional goals while building and nurturing their families.
The book draws from the authors’ personal journeys, including pregnancy, childcare, relocation, financial pressures, late-night study sessions and the demands of doctoral research.
Lauraine Darkwah, a lawyer, arbitration practitioner and academic, has contributed to legal education through teaching at the University of Professional Studies, Accra, and Queen’s University Faculty of Law. Called to the Ghana Bar in 2020, she holds an LLB from KNUST and an LLM in International Business Law from Osgoode Hall Law School, Canada. She is also pursuing a PhD at Queen’s University in Ontario.
Sheryl Acquah Laate, an economist and doctoral scholar, applied for her PhD while pregnant with her second child and began the programme when the child was seven months old. She is pursuing a PhD in Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan, where her research examines childcare policy and immigrant mothers’ participation in the labour market. She previously served as Head Economist at the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity.
Dr Ernestina Anna Azumah, an agricultural engineer and researcher, completed her PhD in Climate Change and Land Use at KNUST while balancing motherhood and family responsibilities. She has worked in teaching, research and climate-related programmes and currently works at WASCAL’s Climate Change and Land Use Centre at KNUST.
The authors said their experiences demonstrate that women can “wear both hats” and continue pursuing their aspirations. They encouraged readers to set goals, pray, seek support and take practical steps towards achieving their dreams.
The book also emphasises their Christian faith, which they describe as a source of strength and encouragement throughout their journeys.
The authors disclosed that “Dr Mummy (PhD)” is their first book, but plans were already underway for a sequel. Hard copies can be ordered for delivery, while a digital version is also available.
