There are heightened calls for more investments into empowering women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education as Women in STEM (WiSTEMGh) Ghana bemoans the lack of adequate funding for sustaining opportunities to rope in more females into the field.
Leadership of the organization observe that despite the growing advocacy of females into STEM education, there are fewer funding opportunities threatening sustainability of females in STEM.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 WiSTEM Girls camp on Luv FM, Co-chair of WiSTEM Ghana, Dr. (Mrs.) Antoinette Simpa Anim Jnr highlighted the need for heavy investment to support STEM education to pique the interests of the girl child.
“Nothing is impossible. Females can break barriers. They only need to be encouraged and inspired to know that it is possible. This will be achievable with adequate funding and consistent sustainability,” she said.
Dr. Anim Jnr. cautioned that while sponsorship has kept the camp alive, its future remains uncertain without stronger and consistent support.
“Sponsorship keeps the camp alive, but without sustainable funding, the future of this impactful program is at risk,” she stressed.
She continued that: “Currently, WiSTEM Ghana’s main plan for sustainability is that the girls being trained will one day take over the program, while other women in the organization and in STEM fields step in when needed”.
However, the organisation admits the approach isn’t a guarantee for sustenance due inadequate funding.
The 2025 edition of the WiSTEM Girls Camp is expected to take place from September 22 to 26 at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The workshop will bring together 300 girls and 60 trainers for a week of mentorship, innovation, and practical learning STEM.
The camp is fully sponsored through contributions from stakeholders, with the Vice Chancellor of KNUST serving as the lead sponsor.
The WiSTEM Ghana leaders explained that the program goes beyond theory, offering mini projects in diverse fields.
Participants will build balloon cars, solar ovens, mobile apps, and health and nutrition models, while also engaging in practical exercises across physics, biology, engineering, IT, pharmacy, and agriculture.
The leaders emphasized on not belittling the initiative but rather seeing it as one with a powerful positive impact on girls and women across the country, empowering them to reach greater heights and benefit the society.
“We are therefore calling for more sponsorships and partnerships to make the camp attractive to future stakeholders and to ensure its continuity for years to come,” Dr. Ayim Jnr noted.
Since its inception, the WiSTEM Girls Camp has provided a unique platform for young girls to gain exposure, develop hands-on skills, and build confidence in pursuing STEM careers.
With the support of KNUST leadership and other stakeholders, organizers hope the 2025 edition will not only inspire but also secure the camp’s future as a lasting force for change in Ghana’s STEM sector.
Source: Jude Mawufemo Fiagbe
