The Member of Parliament (MP) for La Dadekotopon Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, Hon. Rita Odoley Sowah, has expressed concern over the continued underrepresentation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields despite the remarkable achievements of some women in these areas.
Citing the 2024 Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) report, she revealed that women constitute only 24% of professionals in STEM-related fields, with even lower participation in engineering and computer sciences.
“Mr. Speaker, we cannot afford to leave half of our population behind in this rapidly advancing technological era,” she emphasized.
Delivering a statement in Parliament on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the La Dadekotopon legislator called on the Ministries of Education and Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation to strengthen policies that support STEM education for girls.
She commended the STEM Schools initiative but stressed the need to ensure these efforts reach underserved communities.
“Fostering an interest in science begins at an early age. Research shows that girls are just as capable as boys in mathematics and science, yet societal stereotypes and a lack of female role models discourage them from pursuing careers in these fields,” she stated.
Hon. Sowah urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) to integrate mentorship programs into the curriculum, linking young girls with accomplished women scientists who can inspire and guide them.
She further called on stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to empowering women and girls in science, ensuring they not only participate but also lead in shaping Ghana’s scientific and technological future.
“A nation that invests in its women invests in progress. Ghana must lead by example,” she asserted.
The MP also encouraged the private sector and academic institutions to actively support women-led research and innovation, stressing the role of science and technology in driving economic growth.
“Ghana cannot reach its full potential if we continue to sideline the talents of half our population,” she noted.
To address this gap, she proposed the establishment of more effective research grants and incubator programs specifically for female scientists and entrepreneurs.
Source: Accra Times