By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Member of Parliament (MP) for Dadekotopon Constituency in the Greater Accra region, Madam Rita Naa Odoley Sowah has revealed that many Ghanaian women and girls continue to encounter systemic barriers and disparities in accessing quality education, job opportunities, and leadership roles in science.
According to her gender stereotypes, cultural biases, and institutional constraints often impede women and girls full participation and hinder the realization of their potential.
“Particularly, the stark contrast between boys’ and girls’ participation in science events and enrollment in science classes serves as a disheartening reminder of the challenges the nation must overcome,” she noted
The Dadekotopon lawmaker made this revelation when reading a statement on the floor of Ghana’s Parliament on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 as the world marks the 2024 edition of the International Day of Women and girls in science.
“Mr. Speaker, as representatives of the people and custodians of legislative authority, it is incumbent upon us to dismantle any form of barriers and create an enabling environment that empowers women and girls to thrive in science leadership roles.
We must invest in initiatives that promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, provide mentorship and support networks, and advocate for policies that promote gender equality and inclusion in scientific decision-making processes.
Furthermore, we must celebrate and amplify the achievements of women and girls in science leadership, showcasing their resilience, innovation, and commitment to sustainability.
By recognizing their contributions, we inspire future generations of female scientists, innovators, and leaders to chart new frontiers and drive positive change for our nation and beyond.
In line with this commitment, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the exceptional young ladies from the Dade Kotopon constituency who have embarked on paths within the field of science. Special recognition is deservedly bestowed upon Zacharia-Sidique Rahma and Mensah Selassie Isabella, both distinguished medical students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Their unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence stand as beacons of inspiration to us all.” The Dadekotopon MP said.
Below is the full statement read by the Dadekotopon lawmaker on the floor of Ghana’s Parliament
A STATEMENT BY HON. RITA NAA ODOLEY SOWAH, MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR THE DADEKOTOPON CONSTITUENCY ACKNOWLEDGING THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE.
Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to make this statement on the floor of the house.
On this auspicious occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I stand before this esteemed chamber as a fervent advocate for gender equality and empowerment, embracing the significance of this day.
Today, we unite under the theme “Women and Girls in Science Leadership – a New Era for Sustainability.” This theme resonates deeply with our collective aspirations for a more inclusive and sustainable future, where the voices and contributions of women and girls in science are recognized, celebrated, and empowered. It heralds a new era of leadership—one that embraces diversity, fosters innovation, and champions sustainability in all its dimensions.
In Ghana, we acknowledge the pivotal role that women and girls play in shaping the scientific landscape and driving progress across diverse fields, from healthcare and agriculture to environmental conservation and technology. For instance, the remarkable achievements of Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann, the current host of the National Science and Math Quiz, is an Associate Professor and founding Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Ghana; and Prof. Nana Ama Browne Klutse currently is an AIMS-Canada Research Chair in Climate Change Science and also an Associate Professor at the Department of Physics, University of Ghana, serve as shining examples of leadership and ingenuity in their respective fields.
However, despite their invaluable contributions, women and girls in Ghana continue to encounter systemic barriers and disparities in accessing education, opportunities, and leadership roles in science. Gender stereotypes, cultural biases, and institutional constraints often impede their full participation and hinder the realization of their potential. Particularly, the stark contrast between boys’ and girls’ participation in science events and enrollment in science classes serves as a disheartening reminder of the challenges we must overcome.
As representatives of the people and custodians of legislative authority, it is incumbent upon us to dismantle any form of barriers and create an enabling environment that empowers women and girls to thrive in science leadership roles. We must invest in initiatives that promote STEM education,
provide mentorship and support networks, and advocate for policies that promote gender equality and inclusion in scientific decision-making processes.
Furthermore, we must celebrate and amplify the achievements of women and girls in science leadership, showcasing their resilience, innovation, and commitment to sustainability. By recognizing their contributions, we inspire future generations of female scientists, innovators, and leaders to chart new frontiers and drive positive change for our nation and beyond.
In line with this commitment, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the exceptional young ladies from the Dade Kotopon constituency who have embarked on paths within the field of science. Special recognition is deservedly bestowed upon Zacharia-Sidique Rahma and Mensah Selassie Isabella, both distinguished medical students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Their unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence stand as beacons of inspiration to us all. I offer them my best wishes for continued success and fulfillment in their endeavors.
On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let us reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls to lead in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Together, let us embrace the promise of a new era for sustainability—one where women and girls stand at the forefront of scientific innovation, shaping a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to address this esteemed assembly. May we continue to work tirelessly towards a future where women and girls in Ghana can unleash their full potential and make meaningful contributions to scientific excellence and societal progress.
