The Women in Chemistry Network (WICN), a global organisation of women in the chemical sciences, has launched two flagship initiatives to promote interests in the physical science discipline in Ghana.

The strategic projects are the Women in Chemical Sciences Mentorship Programme (WICSMEP) and Women in Chemistry Network, Male Champions (WICNMC).

The event highlighted the vital role of mentorship in advancing women’s careers in the chemical sciences. It brought together tertiary students and researchers, as well as selected students and teachers from St. Hubert Seminary Senior High School and St. Louis Senior High School, underscoring WICN’s commitment to inspiring younger learners to pursue careers in science.

Founder of the network, Prof. Marian Asantewah Nkansah, stressed that women scientists continue to play a vital role in shaping research, innovation, and national development.

She underscored the need for platforms that create opportunities, build networks, and support the next generation of women in science.

According to her, mentorship is not just about guidance, but also about inspiring confidence, sharing experiences, and opening doors that might otherwise remain closed.

Delivering the keynote address by Prof. Ibok N. Oduro, elaborated on the theme, “Mentorship: A Catalyst for Growth and Advancement for Women in Chemical Sciences.”

Drawing from her expertise in Chemistry, she used the analogy of a catalyst in chemical reactions to explain the role of mentors.

Just as a catalyst speeds up reactions without being consumed, she noted, mentors help accelerate the growth of their mentees while continuing on their own paths.

Prof. Oduro also emphasized that there is no single pathway to success.

“In chemistry, reactions can follow different routes to achieve the same product. In the same way, careers in science can take diverse paths, but with the right mentorship, women can reach their goals faster and with greater confidence,” she explained.

Her message, reinforced by Prof. Nkansah’s call for stronger support systems, resonated deeply with participants, especially young female scientists.

Speaking virtually from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dr. William Bannerman, Founder and CEO of Intelligence Nature International, praised the Network as “not only timely but transformative. He stressed that the future of science must be inclusive, equitable, and collaborative.

He emphasized the importance of male allyship, urging men in science and industry to use their influence to open doors, challenge exclusionary norms, and amplify women’s contributions.

“Allyship is not about speaking for women, it is about standing with them. True allyship is active, not passive. It requires courage, humility, and commitment,” he noted.

As part of his address, Dr. Bannerman proposed the WICN Development Pathways Initiative, designed to diversify career opportunities for chemists into areas such as climate action, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and policy.

He pledged an initial $3,000 from Intelligence Nature International to support the programme and announced discussions with the KNUST Department of Chemistry to establish a Centre for Green Chemistry and Material Sciences, dedicated to sustainable solutions for a circular world.

The Chairperson Prof. (Mrs.) Frances Owusu-Daaku with the assistance of the leadership of WICN launched two new logos representing each of the initiatives. The event also saw the unveiling of a new publication, Mentorship Curriculum Guide and Champions’ Guide, a resource developed to support both mentees

The Secretary for the Women in Chemistry Network, Dr. Latifatu Mohammed Adjah assisted in the launch of the Mentorship guide and served as a panelist.

A total of six Male Champions, eleven Mentors and eleven Mentees were inaugurated to kickstart the phase -1 of the programme.

The event supported by PECAN Energies closed with a shared commitment to building mentorship structures that will not only empower women in chemical sciences but also strengthen the scientific community at large.