By: Gloria Anderson
Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called for urgent reforms to break systemic barriers preventing women from thriving in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Speaking at the *She Power: Fueling Change, Redefining Possibilities for Women in STEM* conference, organised by Vivo Energy in Accra, the Minister stressed that policy shifts alone are not enough to achieve gender equality in the sector.
“This policy seeks to create equal opportunities for all, ensuring that gender equality and women’s empowerment are not just ideals but tangible realities. However, the decision-making process remains largely male-dominated, and without a deliberate effort to dismantle these barriers, progress will be slow,” she stated.
She pointed out that while Ghana has made strides in advancing women’s participation in leadership and technical fields, societal norms, inadequate mentorship, and workplace discrimination continue to limit women’s growth.
Business leader and gender advocate, Dr. Ellen Hagan, echoed these concerns, calling on organisations to make gender diversity a core strategic focus rather than a symbolic initiative.
“As organisations, we must deliberately track and build plans for the inclusion of women at all levels. Diversity and gender equality should not be treated as a checkbox exercise but as a business imperative,” Dr. Hagan stated.
UNICEF Education Officer Rhoda Enchill further revealed that despite progress in closing gender gaps in education, STEM fields still suffer from stark gender imbalances.
“Studies show that investments in adolescent girls improve not only their lives but also their families, communities, and the economy. Yet, STEM careers remain largely male-dominated due to deep-rooted stereotypes, lack of mentorship, and high costs associated with technical training,” Ms. Enchill explained.
National data highlights these disparities: only 14% of university students in STEM are female, and women make up just 26% of PhD graduates. In Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the gap is even wider, with only 26% of students being girls.
Vivo Energy used the conference to launch initiatives aimed at bridging this divide. These include scholarship programmes, mentorship schemes, and collaborations with educational institutions to encourage early STEM exposure for young girls.
As the conference concluded, participants called for collective action, urging policymakers, corporations, and educators to dismantle systemic barriers and create an inclusive environment where women can excel in STEM without limitations.
With *She Power*, Vivo Energy aims to drive change and redefine possibilities for women in STEM across Africa, ensuring they have equal access to opportunities for leadership and innovation in the sector.
