Less than 20% of women in Ghana graduate from academic disciplines related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

But there is heightened interest in STEM among girls participating in a boot camp aimed at empowering young females.

Over three hundred girls in thirty senior high schools nationwide have benefited from the 2024 WiSTEM KNUST Girls’ Camp to develop hands-on experience in STEM prospects.

Despite the rapid progress in advocacy for the inclusion of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, there remains a significant gap. Females are still underrepresented in most areas of STEM.

The underrepresented in STEM is often due to systemic barriers, stereotypes, and insufficient encouragement and resources.

Women in STEM at KNUST hosted a camp for girls from senior high schools in the Ashanti and Western North regions in efforts to encourage their participation in STEM programs, and leadership positions.

The WiSTEM Girls' Camp is an annual STEM boot camp for SHS girls pursuing general science and related subjects in school.

Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, underscored the need for increased female representation in STEM fields.

She emphasised the importance of community support and male allies in advancing gender equality in STEM. “We need a community that believes in our abilities and encourages our aspirations,” she said.

Professor Akosua Dickson encouraged the girls to take full advantage of the Camp, build strong networks, and seek mentors who could help shape their careers in STEM.

General Secretary of WiSTEM, Prof. Mercy Badu indicated that heightened investments in girls in science will drive technological advancements and scientific discoveries.

“Investing in girls means creating pathways for their success providing them with access to resources, mentorship, and opportunities that will allow them to thrive in STEM. This means equipping them with the skills, confidence, and mindset to dream big, innovate, and lead.

“We believe 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. And the ripple effect of this investment is immense,” she said.

The 5-day event hosted at the KNUST campus was themed, “Accelerating Progress: Investing in Girls through STEM Education”.

The girls took part in counselling and mentoring sessions, field trips and project presentations.

Head of Quality Assurance and customer service at Stanbic Bank, Aya Ayettey added "it means providing mentors and role models who inspire them, equipping them with the tools and resources to succeed, and fostering a culture where their contributions are valued and their potential is nurtured.

“Through initiatives like this boot camp, we are taking concrete steps to create such an environment. We are not just teaching girls about science and technology; we are helping them envision themselves as scientists, engineers, innovators” she said.

The 2024 edition was sponsored by Stanbic Bank, and supported by KNUST, Ghana Education Service and Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL).