Female Engineers in GRIDCo commemorated the 2023 edition of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science (IDWIGS) by interacting with girls in Junior High Schools in Tema, encouraging them to consider choosing studies in Science Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
The programme was organised by the Science Education Unit (National STEM Centre) of the Ghana Education Service in collaboration with UNESCO, under the theme; “Innovate, Demonstrate, Elevate, Advance (I.D.E.A.) – Bringing communities forward for sustainable and equitable development”.
Mrs. Azara Amadu, President of GRIDCo Ladies Association (GRIDLASS), who led the delegation from GRIDCo, commended the organisers for giving GRIDCo the opportunity to participate in such an important mentorship programme. She urged the young girls to take their studies seriously.
Other members of the delegation took turns motivating the youngsters to take up STEM courses.
In a brief presentation, Ing. Mrs. Sheila Bortey-Kharis, Senior Electrical Engineer elaborated on GRIDCo’s role in the electricity value chain and explained that GRIDCo’s operations support clean energy, which is in line with SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy). She concluded by encouraging young girls to pick up challenging tasks and not limit their abilities, since they have the capacity to accomplish all complicated tasks.
Ing. Mrs. Pearl Elikem Obuo Principal Electrical Engineer encouraged the pupils to develop interest in pursuing engineering courses. Importantly, She urged them to work hard, be observant and curious.
“Engineering is not difficult, as perceived by many. As a career, engineering is now flexible, allowing women to practice while maintaining a balanced social life”, said Ing. Mrs Alberta Mukaronda, Supervising Technician Engineer.
“Many efforts are being made to increase female participation in engineering and the sciences. I motivate you, young girls to be the change that society expects, by getting involved in the process”, Ing Harriet Owusu – Banie, Senior Electrical Engineer noted.
The female Engineers pledged their availability in mentoring the girls into the field of engineering. Ing. Mrs. Doreen Ampadu, Electrical Engineer particularly volunteered to be a personal mentor to the girls. Other members of the delegation were, Mrs. Naa Borteley, Principal Administrative Officer Corporate Services Branch and Mrs. Ruth Abanga, Administrative Officer, Corporate Communications.
Mrs. Christiana Ablakwa, Chairperson for the event, and Mrs. Bernice Ofori, Director of Education for Tema Metro ended the programme, by urging the girls to develop interest in Maths and Science and also take their studies seriously.
IDWIGS 2023 is in alignment with four (4) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), namely; 6 – clean water and sanitation; 7 – affordable and clean energy; 9 – industry, innovation and infrastructure, and 11 – sustainable cities and communities.
