Female students undergo career counselling in Koforidua
The Electricity Company of Ghana’s Women in Engineering (ECG-WinE), in collaboration with the Gender and Social Inclusion Unit, have organised a career guidance and counselling programme for young female students from both private and public schools in Koforidua.
Held on Tuesday on the theme: ‘Unpacking STEM Careers: The Power of Diversity,’ the event was aimed to inspire girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
It also encouraged parents and teachers to support and nurture the interests of these young minds.
Addressing the participants, Mr Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, General Manager of External Communications at ECG, who represented the Acting Managing Director emphasised the importance of exposing young girls to STEM, especially given the persistent misconception that women cannot excel in these fields.
“Over the years, continuous encouragement has become necessary because a significant number of men dominate these areas. As a country, we are making efforts to bridge this gap and ensure that more women choose STEM careers,” he stated.
He pointed out that many female engineers at ECG were performing remarkably well, proving that women can excel in engineering and contribute significantly to national development.
“It’s for this reason that ECG-WinE is organising this programme — to inspire and nurture the interest of these young female students early so they grow up wanting to pursue STEM careers,” he added.
Mr Ayiku further explained that STEM goes beyond equations, codes, and circuits; it’s about solving real-world problems, creating innovative solutions, and shaping the nation’s future.
He stressed that innovation thrived on diversity, and including women in STEM brings different perspectives, experiences, and ideas that unlock new possibilities.
“By promoting gender balance, the event would help break longstanding myths and stereotypes about women’s abilities in these traditionally male-dominated areas,” he stated.
The President of ECG-WinE, Alberta Amankwah, also addressed the students, and highlighted the vital role STEM played in addressing the country’s complex challenges.
“Despite the importance of STEM, these fields have lacked diversity and inclusion for far too long,” she said.
She emphasised the need to change the narrative and create a future where everyone has equal opportunity to succeed.
She expressed her hope that the programme would inspire young girls to explore STEM fields, adding that they would have the chance to interact with and be mentored by professionals from various STEM sectors.
That, she stressed, would provide valuable advice and guidance on their career paths.
“Explore your passions, discover new opportunities, and unlock your potential in STEM. Encouraging more women in these fields will contribute significantly to national development,” she encouraged the students.
Vivian Carry, General Manager of Gender and Social Inclusion at ECG, reiterated the company’s commitment to breaking barriers and providing the resources, mentorship, and encouragement needed to help girls thrive in STEM.
“We will continue to organise such programmes to foster diversity and inclusion in the STEM sector,” she assured.
FROM AMA TEKYIWAA AMPADU AGYEMAN, KOFORIDUA
THE Electricity