Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Ghana (WiSTEM-Gh) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), in collaboration with Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) through its women’s initiative, Globally Reaching OFI Women (GROW), has marked the 2026 International Day for Women and Girls in Science with a mentorship-shadowing programme.
The initiative brought together 17 selected female Senior High School science students for a day-long programme dubbed “A Day in the Life of a STEM Professional.” The event aimed to inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM and provide firsthand exposure to real-world STEM environments on the KNUST campus.
General Secretary of WiSTEM-Gh, Prof. (Mrs.) Mercy Badu, speaking on behalf of the President, Prof. (Mrs.) Ibok Nsa Oduro, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to building confidence and nurturing interest in science among young women.
“At WiSTEM-Gh, our whole vision and purpose of existence is to ensure that we help inculcate confidence and people loving science and the application of science and STEM. Today's engagement is meaningful because it aligns with the global call and it reminds us that the world of science does not talk about gender,” she said.
Prof. Badu noted that the initiative extends beyond inspiration to inclusivity, encouraging young girls to actively engage in science and overcome barriers that hinder their participation in STEM fields.
“We are here today to ensure that everybody’s voice is heard and that everyone takes part. Ask questions. Learn about the challenges and how these professionals overcome them. Let this interaction strengthen your passion and dreams,” she urged the students.
She also commended the mentors for making time out of their demanding schedules to guide the participants, describing their involvement as a demonstration of their commitment to impacting lives.
Dr. (Mrs.) Mary Arthur, Food Safety and Quality Manager at Olam Cocoa Processing Ghana, a subsidiary of OFI, reiterated the company’s commitment to empowering women through its GROW initiative.
“Through our GROW initiative, we are proud to partner with WiSTEM-Gh to help these young ladies see that their dreams and future in STEM are valid, achievable, and necessary,” she said.
She added that OFI is working closely with cocoa farming communities to create opportunities for young girls, ensuring that beyond farming, they can aspire to become engineers, pharmacists and professionals across various STEM fields.
“Our mission is to help these young ladies see a future in STEM and understand that they can rise from their communities to become professionals who contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.
As part of the mentorship-shadowing experience, the students were paired with WiSTEM-Gh mentors and taken to lecture theatres, laboratories, studios and offices to observe academic and research activities, exposing them to the day-to-day realities of STEM professionals and how science influences everyday life and national development.
By: Esther Nutsugah Photos: Isaac Kwaku Duah
