The International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) celebration, established by the United Nations this year, marked its 2023 celebration in three different tertiary institutions in Ghana, notable among them are, the University for Development Studies Tamale, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi, University of Ghana Accra, and across the globe via zoom. The International Day of Women and Girls (IDWGIS) brought together, people from all walks of life, with the aim of establishing sustainable and equitable development by Innovating, Demonstrating, Elevating, Advancing and Sustaining (I.D.E.A.S) in terms of the gains made in science. It focuses on the role of Women and Girls in Science towards the achievement of the SDGs.

In addition, IDWGIS aims to connect the International Community to Women and Girls in Science, strengthening the ties between science, policy, and society for strategies oriented towards the future.

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Ghana, in partnership with the UN in Ghana, AIMS Women in STEM (AIMSWIS), the KTCSR in University for Development Studies (UDS), and Women in STEM (WiSTEM) organization in KNUST, and with funding from Henry Luce Foundation brought together Women and Girls in STEM across Ghana.

At the opening of IDWGIS in the Nyankpala Campus, the Vice-Chancellor of UDS, Professor Seidu Al-hassan commended the organizers for choosing a theme that reflects the needs of modern society “bring everyone forward for sustainable and equitable development by Innovating, Demonstrating, Elevating, Advancing and Sustaining (I.D.E.A.S)" in terms of the gains made in science.

He commended the efforts of the Director of the Kazuhiko Takeuchi Centre for Sustainability and Resilience (KTCSR), Professor Hamdiya Alhassan who tireless worked to have UDS as part of the organizers. Prof. Seidu Al-hassan highlighted the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the modern world, adding that, the Ghana Beyond Aid and the quest for a sustainable rural development cannot be achieved without STEM playing an active role. He was quick to add that, putting Women and Girls at the centre of decision making will help realize the attainment of SDGs with particular reference to the one that says “leave no one behind”.
He encouraged and assured Women and Girls in STEM of the University’s support at all times.

A Lecturer at the Tamale Technical University, Dr. Hanifatu Mumuni Napari, who doubles as an AIMS Alumna, for her part, encouraged young girls to endeavour to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) both in the Senior High School and tertiary levels. She admonished the young girls to aspire for careers that are centred around STEM programs, adding that there are lots of opportunities for Women and Girls in those areas.

Dr. Hanifatu Mumuni Napari, one of the youngest women to have attained a PhD in Northern Ghana in recent times, recounted her journey towards attaining her PhD, noting that it was with perseverance, determination, and commitment that she was able to accomplish her dream.

Speaking on the topic, “The challenges and Potentials of Ghanaian Women and Girls in Science” Dr. Emelia Guo a Research Fellow and Lecturer at the University for Development Studies, Department of Agricultural Administration and Marketing, Faculty of Agriculture said women form more than half of the world’s population but are underrepresented globally in all sectors of the economy. She alluded to gender inequalities and disparities and disabilities among others to make her case. She said, Women and Girls have enormous potentials in the STEM if they position themselves well and pick up the opportunities from organisations that offer scholarships in science related programs. Dr. Emelia Guo called on the government to place priority on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics for Women and Girls especially in the STEM schools. The agriculturalist made an appeal to the private sector and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to support Women and Girls to realize their dream goals in STEM programs.

In an informal conversation with students from the Tolon Senior High School, Director of the Kazuhiko Takeuchi Centre for Sustainability and Resilience (KTCSR) Prof. Hamdiya Alhassan encouraged the young women to study and work hard towards the realization their goals in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics field. She also admonished them to be disciplined and intentional towards their career for future prospects. 

Story by: 
Hamdan Wumpeka Amadu(University Relations)