Olivia Serwaa Opare, Director of Science Education at the Ghana Education Service (GES), has called for collective efforts to boost the enrollment of girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Currently, women make up less than 30 percent of STEM-related jobs in Ghana, a situation she described as an economic loss, as STEM careers drive innovation, social well-being, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
Speaking at the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebration at the Methodist Girls Senior High School in Mamfe-Akuapem, Eastern Region, Madam Opare urged female students to consider STEM careers to enhance their job prospects.
She encouraged girls to break free from societal perceptions that STEM fields are reserved for males, calling on teachers and parents to support and guide them.
The event, themed “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science,” brought together female students from senior high and basic schools in the Akuapem Ridge. It also marked the 10th anniversary of the day’s observance in Ghana, where distinguished women professionals in STEM were honored for their contributions.
Madam Opare advocated for policies and programs that create opportunities and an enabling environment to encourage more girls to venture into STEM.
Edmond Moukala, UNESCO Representative to Ghana, also emphasized the need for inclusive efforts to empower women and girls in STEM.
“Over the past 10 years, significant progress has been made in breaking down barriers, yet we know that there is still a lot to do. Too many girls and women are held back by biases, social norms, and expectations influencing the quality of the education they receive and the subjects they study,” he said.
He urged the training of teachers with gender-responsive digital skills and the expansion of mentorship programs, after-school STEM projects, and camps to support girls in STEM education.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was adopted by the United Nations on February 11, 2015, to promote full and equal access to and participation in STEM fields for women and girls.
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