Young girls pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are being encouraged to stay committed, explore new ideas, and see how their work can make a real difference. This message comes as part of a global push for gender equality in science, aligning with Goal 5 of the Sustainable Development Goals.
As the world observes the International Day of Women and Girls in Science under the theme “Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science,” ABC News’ Andy Oppong Dankyi reports on how women can navigate challenges in STEM and advocate for greater inclusivity.
Globally, only 12% of members of science academies are women while in Ghana, 14% of university students pursuing a course in science academies are female, and women accounted for 26% of all PhD graduates in 2018, according to the UNESCO Science Report 2021.
For the past nine years, International Women’s Day has stood as a symbol of recognition for the contributions of women and girls in science, advocating for greater inclusivity in STEM fields. As the fifth Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations General Assembly aims to promote gender equality by 2030, this celebration seeks to spark curiosity and inspire young girls to pursue careers in science, laying the foundation for a more diverse and equitable future in STEM.
Deborah Yenam Zoryeku, a 21-year-old final-year medical student at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, believes that while the science field itself is not inherently difficult, the issue lies in the overwhelming male dominance, especially in areas where women have the potential to excel.
“So when it comes to STEM, we see that so many times women turn to shy away from these courses, talk of engineering and architecture. This is because, society labels it as a male dominated courses which doesn’t motivate them to pursue such professions,” she said.
Dr Lily Paemka, a molecular geneticist and senior lecturer at the University of Ghana’s Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Department, says that the week’s celebration serves as an important encouragement for young women and girls to achieve even more in the field.
She stated, “I think you should follow your curiosity, you should follow your heart. If you are actually curious about a particular area, even if it’s considered as a difficult area, with that natural curiosity and drive you will enjoy the process. Never doubt yourself.”
Stressing more on the need for young individuals to overcome obstacles that may come their way, Dr Lily Paemka, encouraged young women to rise above these challenges they encounter to pursue a career in science.
“When it comes to child bearing, I had to juggle that with full time work. You have to figure out how to balance work in the home,” she motivated.
The 2021 UNESCO Science Report, indicated that In Africa, 30% of science professionals are women, and female enrollment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses continues to rise. However, several challenges still persist requiring urgent attention to bridge the gender gap.
