Efforts to tackle gender disparities in science and engineering took a practical turn as the Women in Chemistry Network (WICN) brought together students, educators and researchers for an outreach programme at Akosombo International School (AIS).
The event marked the 2026 International Day of Women and Girls in Science and incorporated the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) Global Women’s Breakfast, linking the local gathering to a broader international movement promoting collaboration and mentorship among women scientists.
Held under the themes “From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap” and “Many Voices, One Science,” the programme attracted more than 100 participants, including students, teachers, researchers and industry professionals.
Speakers emphasized moving beyond symbolic celebrations toward measurable, evidence-based strategies. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering at the University of Ghana, pointed to data showing that women make up about 25 per cent of Ghana’s technical and engineering workforce — a gap she said persists despite expanded educational access.
She urged stakeholders to focus on actionable reforms to address structural barriers limiting women’s advancement in STEM fields.
Founder and Convener of WICN, Marian Asantewah Nkansah, highlighted the Network’s mentorship initiatives, excellence awards, male champions programme and school outreach activities as part of a broader strategy to close the gender gap. She also announced plans to launch the Women in Chemical Sciences Education Support initiative later this year and appealed for institutional backing.
In a solidarity message, Mary Garson, President of IUPAC, commended WICN for engaging students at the high school level, noting that the Global Women’s Breakfast connects participants in more than 60 countries annually to foster dialogue and partnership.
At the institutional level, AIS Headmistress Sarah Freda Adei said the school had introduced a Best Female Student in Chemistry Award to motivate girls to pursue science and leadership roles.
WICN Secretary Latifatu Mohammed Adjah underscored the importance of diversity in scientific innovation, stressing that inclusive environments strengthen research outcomes and problem-solving capacity.
Participants concluded the programme with a call for stronger collaboration among educational institutions, policymakers and sponsors to implement data-driven solutions aimed at narrowing Ghana’s gender gap in science and engineering.
