Underground Mining Alliance Ignites Passion for STEM in Obuasi Sec Tec Girls
In Ghana, women are underrepresented in STEM fields, with research indicating they occupy roughly 25% of all STEM jobs. This is a significant gap compared to their representation in non-STEM fields.
Determined to close the gap, Underground Mining Alliance (UMA), Obuasi has identified the second cycle institutions as the preferred place to arouse the interest of girls in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
At a mentorship program organised by UMA at the Obuasi Senior High Technical School, the Philippe Pearse, the project Manager for UMA said there was no opportune time like the International Women’s Day month to empower the girls on how to be assertive, ambitious and not be restricted in their quest to exploit their potentials to the fullest.
“As a company that believes in diversity and inclusiveness, we decided to extend this mentorship programme led by women who have excelled in their various fields of work, to coach the girls to aspire to greater heights “.
According to Yvonne Adomako Asabre, Training and Development coordinator UMA empowering girls demands a holistic approach, adding that there was the need to involve women who have thrived in STEM related careers and Entrepreneurship.
She said there was evidence of a heightened interest in STEM among girls in the school. This she said was encouraging, serving as the right impetus to build the interest of school going girls in STEM education.
Mrs. Maudester Ofori – Procurement Compliance Officer & CSR Advocate, also underscored the significance of IWD as a time for reflection and action.
She urged students to harness their potential, challenge societal norms, and take deliberate steps toward shaping their futures. She inspired the young women with the message.
“You are the leaders of tomorrow, but also the leaders of today. Rights, equality, and empowerment are not just words—they are the tools you need to change the world, “she added.
On her part, Ing Mrs Linda Ofori adjei acheampong chief geologist resource evaluation, AngloGold Ashanti extoled the relevance of STEM education.
She said that when girls are empowered to pursue STEM, they are more likely to contribute to their communities, improve the economic prospects of their families, and become leaders who drive change. The ripple effect of this investment is immense.
She admonished the girls to pick lessons from the strides made by some women in male dominated fields. ” If others have made it to the top in traditionally male dominated fields, why can’t we also do the same? Let’s be ambitious and adventurous so that we can succeed. ”
Mrs. Nana Afia Boachie-Tsikata, CEO Bacnof Schools Ghana and Women empowerment advocate, also added her voice to the calls for girls to be ambitious, fearless, and goal oriented.
She advised that, to break barriers hampering gender equity and parity, there was the need for girls to be disciplined, possess high levels of integrity, and be steadfast.
Participants shared their thoughts after the programme. They were excited to have women share their real-life stories and their relentless efforts to succeed despite their challenges.
