The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Ghana (WiSTEMGh) is encouraging the study of STEM education from the basic school level.
The organization believes early STEM education can promote and prepare the younger generation, especially girls, to take up STEM careers.
Technology and innovation are the bedrock for development in the 4th Industrial Revolution.
In order to compete in a global economy, STEM education and careers must be a national priority, according to WiSTEMGh.
Speaking at the 2023 Women's Day celebration held at the Afua Kobi Ampem Girls SHS, the group urged stakeholders to support and channel resources to less-endowed schools to bridge the STEM gap.
Dr. Mercy Badu is the General Secretary of WiSTEMGh.
"Empowering these young ladies in the knowledge and skills in these new technologies and innovation will accelerate the country's development. We don't need to wait for them to get to the university before we teach them about STEM. We need to resource schools interested in STEM education, " she said.
WiSTEM in an effort to bridge the gender gap in STEM education, has over the years organized capacity-building activities to inspire young ladies to embrace the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
One of such capacity-building initiatives is the WiSTEM Girls Camp for Senior High Schools.
Dr. Mercy Badu lauded the government's vision to build 35 STEM schools by 2024.
KNUST WiSTEMGh is also supporting some schools in Kumasi to improve the learning of STEM education.
Headmistress of the Afua Kobi Ampem Girls, Sylvia Newton, is happy with the current enthusiasm of girls to learn STEM.
"I'm happy that Afua Kobi has been part of WiSTEMGh since its inception. We have an engineering club which has gained national attention from many Ghanaians," she said.
Some STEM students showcased their innovation.
Two students, Ellen Ofori and Charlise, have developed a highway accident elimination system.
"We came up with this design to reduce the causes of road accidents in Ghana. We found out that there are six major causes of road accidents, so our design principle will curtail road accidents," Ellen Ofori revealed.
WiSTEMGh's theme for the 2023 celebration of International Women’s Day is "Technology Innovation for Gender Equality: The Role of SHS Education in Nation Building".
