The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), through its International Programmes Office (IPO), in collaboration with the Spanish Embassy in Ghana and Women In Stem Ghana (WiSTEM), commemorated International Women’s Day with a strong call to advance women’s participation and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The event, held on March 10, 2026, at KNUST under the theme “Give To Gain, Rewriting the Rules,” brought together academics, students, development partners, and STEM professionals, including the Vice-Chancellor’s Representative Prof. Mercy Badu, Head of the Gender Inclusion and Vulnerability Office; Miss Isabel Ibarra Serrano de Haro, Deputy Head of Mission for the Embassy of Spain to Ghana and Togo; Prof. Edmund Ekuadzi and Prof. Augustina Angelina Sylverken, Dean and Vice Dean of the International Programmes Office, respectively; and Prof. Mrs. Ibok Oduro, President of WiSTEM, among others, to discuss strategies for empowering women and girls to pursue careers in science and technology. The dialogue focused on breaking systemic barriers, promoting mentorship, and creating opportunities that enable women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated STEM fields.
Panellists at the event, Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Asare-Adjebeng-Bedu-Addo, Dr. Mizpah Ama Dziedzorm Rockson, Prof. Priscilla Kolibea Mante and Miss Thelma Tawiah underscored the persistent gender disparities in STEM. They called for sustained investment in education, mentorship, and inclusive policies to support women’s advancement in science and innovation. Participants were encouraged to champion initiatives that promote equal opportunities and recognise the contributions of women in STEM.
The programme also provided a valuable platform for dialogue and networking, allowing students and young professionals to engage with experienced mentors and role models.
The event formed part of the broader activities marking International Women’s Day and reinforced the shared vision of KNUST and its partners to “rewrite the rules” by creating a more inclusive STEM ecosystem in which women can contribute meaningfully to scientific advancement and national development.
