Today is being marked as International Day for Women and Girls in Science. It is a day set aside to highlight the contribution of women to science in order to encourage more girls and women to take up careers in science. This year’s celebration is on the theme:‘’Unpacking STEM Careers; Her voice in science
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) enables individuals to be creative, innovative, problem solvers and think critically. This field has traditionally been seen as the preserve of men, although in recent times girls and women are making strides in that field. Globally, the ratio of women in STEM fields as compared to men is quite low. More women are therefore needed in the field to achieve equality which meets goal 5 of the SDGs.

Over the years, women scientists have made remarkable contributions to science. For example, Marie Curie helped to pioneer the use of radioactivity in medicine and was also the first female recognized and awarded a Nobel Prize in Physics and Chemistry. Another accomplished female, who happens to be Ghanaian, is Prof. Esi Ewuah, a Ghanaian researcher and a gender advocate who is known for her innovative research projects in engineering and science. We again have Quakyi Issabella Akyinba, a leading Ghanaian bio scientist and many other women.

Women naturally bring unique problem-solving approaches that contribute to a nation’s development by providing solutions to problems when given the opportunity. According to the UN, gender equality and empowerment of Women and Girls is not just a goal in itself but a key to sustainable development, economic growth, peace and security. Empowering women in itself can again help eradicate poverty.

It is in light of the foregoing that Center for Social Impact Studies (CeSIS), a gender responsive organization proposes that a deliberate and conscious effort should be put in place to empower girls in the STEM fields. CeSIS proposes the following recommendations to government and other stakeholders.

 Providing scholarships and internship opportunities for women and girls. Efforts
must be made to support them with scholarship schemes to lessen the financial
burden they grapple with. This will enable more women and girls in the field to
bridge the gender gap to support the growth of the economy. Opportunities
should also be given to girls in science to have internship opportunities in their
respective fields. This can help them gain more practical and hands on
experiences which they can use later in their careers
 Admission quotas should be given to women studying STEM courses.

This will
create the awareness that there are opportunities for women and girls in the
field and encourage more to pursue a career along that line. The passage of the

Affirmative Act should compel institutions to set out quotas for girls and women
in the field. This will ensure that women and girls who would otherwise have
missed the opportunity to pursue a course in STEM can still realize their dream.  Assisting Girls with role models that connect them to STEM professionals.

When girls are provided with role models at earlytsages, it will help set them on the
right path. It will build their passion and interest in the field which can have an
effect of pushing more women and girls towards that STEM

CeSIS believes that the growth of an economy depends on how well equality is achieved and a more equal society cannot be achieved without making science friendlier to women and girls.

On this promising occasion, we wish all women and girls in ‘STEM’and those who have the interest and intension of pursuing a career in science a very ‘’Happy International Day for Women and Girls in Science’’ particularly those living in resource rich areas of the world.

Robert Tanti Ali
Executive Director
For additional information and interviews, please call:
 Mrs. Dorothy Ofori Danquah
Tel: 0541489202