Juggling academic life and domestic chores, including caring for children amidst financial struggles, is not only a daunting task but one that may require special skills to navigate life’s demanding challenges.

But the tale of a single mother’s path to earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in a foreign land can only be described as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all.

From October 2019 to December 2024, Evelyn Asante Yeboah, left the shores of Ghana to embark on an academic journey that would confer on her a doctorate in Sustainable Landscape Development from Martin Luther University, Halle-Wittenberg in Germany.

She was overjoyed to sojourn overseas with her three children. But what appeared to be relief exiting her home country with high cost of living and embracing a new environment in Eastern Germany came bearing a herculean task.

Dr. Asante Yeboah began her full-time PhD degree at the University and had to juggle demanding academic life with caring for her children.

“Life in a new country, far from family and familiar networks, posed its own unique challenges. Yet, I refused to see motherhood as an obstacle but instead as a source of motivation to keep pushing forward,” she recounted.

Unexpectedly, funds for international studies were truncated two years into her PhD journey.

This brought untoward hardship on her, but as a woman of resilience and temerity she will navigate her path to securing an alternative means to support her education and expenses overseas.

“When my scholarship ended prematurely halfway through my studies, it seemed like the world had closed in on me. Financial instability threatened to halt my dreams,” she recalled the ordeal.

“Yet, I rose to the challenge, securing a research assistant position to provide for my family while continuing my doctoral work and caring for my children. It was a delicate balancing act—one that demanded everything I had to give and more,” he continued.

Battling External Challenges

Dr. Asante Yeboah’s research journey required fieldwork in Africa, focusing on the mosaic landscapes of southwestern Ghana.

A year and half into this project in 2020, the world was clothed in a pandemic that would halt activities, push global economies into lockdown and threaten bonds of families and lovers.

“The global lockdowns brought my field plans to a screeching halt. As travel was impossible, I had to reimagine my approach and dig deeper into innovative methodologies to collect and analyze data remotely. These were not just professional challenges—they were lessons in resilience and adaptability,” she said.

As if these challenges were not enough to see her lose sight of her aspirations, she was subsequently involved in two fatal accidents together with her family.

But she survived both.

“During this time, I survived two major accidents that could have easily claimed my life and those of my children. On August 21, 2022, a tram I was on derailed with several sustaining severe injuries; on June 25, 2024, I was in a VIP bus that collided with a 40-foot trailer in Ghana on the Kumasi-Accra road. In both incidents, we miraculously walked away unharmed. These moments were a profound reminder of the fragility of life and the power of divine grace,” she recounted.

Amidst these overwhelming hurdles, Dr. Asante Yeboah proved her mettle to complete her doctoral journey on the foreign land.

Successfully, she fulfilled her university’s rigorous requirements including the publication of three papers in high-impact scientific journals.

“This success, however, was not mine alone. It was the result of faith, prayer, determination, and the incredible support of those who encouraged me through my journey,” she said.

A Message of Hope and Motivation to Women

Reflecting on her achievement, Dr. Asante Yeboah indicated that “the journey is not just the fruits of hard work but the triumph of determination, faith, and an unyielding spirit over incredible odds”.

She urged single mothers not to deem motherhood as a limitation to their success, but rather brave through the odds to actualise their dreams.

“Motherhood is not a limitation; it is not a disease, nor should it make you feel less human. Your dreams are valid, and they are achievable,” Dr. Asante Yeboah advised.

She admonished focus, perseverance and faith to overcome life’s seemingly crippling challenges while seeking the needed support and advice from the right people.

“Remember, success is built on a foundation of determination, perseverance, and prayer. Women, rise up! Push forward with purpose and know that no matter the challenges you face, you can and will overcome,” she said.

Dr. Evelyn Asante Yeboah’s resilient tale of balancing motherhood and education can only be an inspiration for young mothers, particularly single ones, who may be at the brink of giving up on their dreams.