The President of Women in Engineering under the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana, Engr. Adjoa Agyinba Tetteh Gyamera, has disclosed that women constitute less than 20 percent of engineers in Ghana, highlighting a significant gender gap in the profession and underscoring the need for interventions to boost female participation.
Speaking on the occasion of the International Day of Women in Engineering, Engr. Gyamera said the low representation of women in the engineering sector remains a major concern despite growing efforts to encourage more girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
To address the challenge, IET-GH has adopted a mentorship strategy aimed at inspiring young girls to develop interest in engineering from an early age. As part of this year’s celebration, the institution engaged about 150 pupils from various junior high schools in an interactive mentorship programme designed to expose them to opportunities within the engineering profession.
According to Engr. Gyamera, nurturing children’s curiosity and passion for engineering is critical to building a future workforce that reflects greater gender balance.
“We want young girls to see engineering as a viable and exciting career path. Through mentorship and exposure, we are helping them appreciate the opportunities available in the profession and encouraging them to pursue their dreams without limitations,” she said.
Also speaking to Adom News, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Accra Technical University, Ing. Dr. Tina Wemegah, highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at connecting female engineers to larger platforms and reputable companies.
She noted that creating pathways for women to access career advancement opportunities is essential to increasing female representation and visibility within the industry.
“Several measures are currently being implemented to position women engineers for leadership opportunities and greater participation in major engineering projects and institutions,” she stated.
The 2nd Vice President of IET-GH, Engr. Dr. Miriam Eduful, revealed that beyond mentorship programmes, the institution has introduced scholarship schemes targeted at supporting young girls who wish to pursue engineering-related courses.
She explained that the scholarships are intended to remove financial barriers that often prevent talented young women from entering the field.
“Our goal is not only to inspire interest in engineering but also to provide practical support that enables girls to pursue and complete their engineering education successfully,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Headteacher of Alogboshie 1 Basic School, Mrs. Eunice D. Yidana, called on parents and guardians to encourage rather than discourage girls who express interest in engineering and other traditionally male-dominated professions.
She stressed that the current educational curriculum offers equal opportunities to all learners regardless of gender and that success depends largely on dedication and commitment.
“Girls are equally capable of excelling in engineering and other technical fields. Parents must support their aspirations and help them realise their full potential,” she urged.
The event served as a reminder of the need for sustained efforts to bridge the gender gap in engineering and empower more young women to contribute to Ghana’s technological and industrial development.
Through mentorship, scholarships, and strategic partnerships, IET-GH hopes to inspire a new generation of female engineers capable of transforming the future of the profession in Ghana.
