International Women’s Day Spotlight: Professor Esme Manful

For this year’s International Women’s Day, ESSA is spotlighting three female African researchers working in Early Childhood Development and Foundational Learning.  

With the theme for this year being ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ our goal is to spotlight these wonderful women and their impactful work, inspiring and encouraging other female African researchers, especially those who are beginning their careers in education research.   

This marks the second part of our three-part blog series.   

Could you tell us a bit about yourself? 

I am Esmeranda Manful, a Ghanaian with a rich cultural heritage including Fante and Ga backgrounds. The majority of my life has been spent in Accra. I pursued my studies at the University of Ghana and later at Queen’s University Belfast in the UK. Over the past three decades, my professional journey has primarily unfolded in the public sector. Initially, I served as a policy researcher for a decade, followed by a transition to academia. 

Currently, I hold the position of Associate Professor of Social Work within the Department of Sociology and Social Work at KNUST. Additionally, I serve as the Vice-Dean of International Programmes and have the privilege of leading the Department of Sociology and Social Work. 

How would you describe your childhood? 

My childhood was enjoyable. As a middle child, I was immersed in the world of reading from a young age. Even before reaching the age of ten, I delved into fiction and historical books from my father's library. Sharing this passion with my older brother, we would exchange books and engage in discussions about the storylines. These early experiences, I believe, played a significant role in nurturing my inquisitive nature. 

How did your relationship with education research start? 

It all began during my undergraduate years when I undertook my final year dissertation on 'Life Skills.' This course, primarily undertaken by girls in the 1980s to early 1990s, intrigued me. My study aimed to grasp the perspectives of both genders within a social context and explore avenues for improving the course's introduction. Thus, my journey into educational research commenced. However, my research interests have since evolved to encompass a broader spectrum. I now delve into diverse issues pertinent to children's lives, striving to ensure optimal outcomes for them. 

What are your aspirations right now? 

As an academic, my goal is to inspire students to pursue terminal degrees or the highest professional qualifications in their chosen discipline. Additionally, I aim to contribute to the development of the next generation of professionals who will champion the best outcomes for children across diverse fields. 

Is there any woman in education research in Africa whom you greatly admire and would like to meet? 

To be honest, I must confess that I haven't been following any specific woman who is leading the way in educational research. 

On this International Women's Day, how can we inspire inclusion for female African researchers starting their careers? 

We must encourage women to persevere and remind them that giving up is not an option. It's essential to acknowledge that their chosen career path may be male dominated, yet it holds immense value for incorporating female perspectives into African empirical research. 

In conclusion, life resembles a roller coaster ride, with its ups and downs shaping our unique and compelling stories. 

Esmeranda Manful, an Associate Professor at the Department of Sociology and Social Work, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, specialises in macro-level social work practice. Her research primarily centers on child and family welfare, as well as social protection issues. Employing mixed methods, her studies shed light on the challenges faced by at-risk children and other vulnerable groups in Ghana, while proposing solutions for effective social work practice, policy, and program implementation. 

At KNUST, she currently serves as the Head of the Department of Sociology and Social Work and as the Vice-Dean of the International Programmes Office. Esmeranda holds a PhD in Social Work from Queens University Belfast, along with an MPA and BSc. from the University of Ghana.