Lecturer and entrepreneur at Ashesi University, Jewel N. Thompson is pioneering initiatives aimed at uplifting African women entrepreneurs and addressing mental health challenges among students through innovative technology platforms.
During the Womanpreneur segment with Helen Appiah-Ampofo on the 3FM Sunrise Morning Show on February 13, Thompson shared insights into her entrepreneurial ventures emphasizing her commitment to supporting women in West Africa through her platform called “Women AWA” (African Women Amplified).
She stated that, “the platform called Women AWA, which stands for African Women Amplified serves as an intermediary for women entrepreneurs in West Africa, providing access to technical skills development, funding, and various resources.”
Mrs Thompson emphasized her commitment to supporting women in the region, adding, “On this platform, you will find mentors, potential funders, and women who can build their profiles. We aim to support the growing economy of women entrepreneurs.”
Additionally, she discussed her involvement with a tech platform called “LIFT,” which stands for “Leveraging Intuitive Technology for Health in Africa”.
According to her, this initiative stemmed from an observation of a former student’s struggles with anxiety and depression, highlighting the need for mental health support services on the continent.
“Another tech platform that I focus on with one former student is called, LIFT which is leveraging intuitive technology for health in Africa and this came about because as a former student I had, noticed this kind of her despondency in class at a point and it was because she was actually dealing with anxiety and a little bit of depression” she said.
Highlighting the need for mental health support services in Africa, Thompson said, “Mental health is stigmatized on the continent. Traditional methods of treatment involve heavy medication and limited therapy options. We aim to provide support through an AI-supported tool, connecting students and entrepreneurs with psychotherapists.”
Thompson’s initiatives have garnered recognition and support, with recent funding secured through health accelerators led by organizations like Lafia and Impact Hub. She expressed excitement about further developing the AI-supported platform, stating, “This funding will enable us to expand our reach and benefit more individuals across Ghana and beyond.”
Reflecting on challenges facing entrepreneurs and students in Ghana, Thompson stressed, “There is a need to centralize resources and information, especially in rural areas. Initiatives like ours bridge gaps in access to funding and support services.”
Thompson’s vision aligns with broader efforts to empower African entrepreneurs and students. With her pioneering spirit and dedication to making a positive impact, Thompson is paving the way for a brighter future for African women entrepreneurs and students alike.
By Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi