As part of efforts to provide mentorship to selected mentees under the Ghana Power Compact Internship and Mentoring Program (GPCIMP), the Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, (WiSTEM-KNUST) and the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 2nd October, 2020 at the Council Chamber.
Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice-Chancellor of KNUST revealed that WiSTEM was established by her predecessor, Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso, to ensure that females are given more opportunities in education to reduce the culture stereotypes in society. She recounted that for the past few years, WiSTEM has worked assiduously to create avenues for females to take programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Professor (Mrs.) Dickson assured that WiSTEM will collectively work with MiDA to imbibe the soft skills for better employability for females.
The General Secretary of WiSTEM, Dr. Mrs. Mercy Badu, said that the association has worked with MiDA for the past 2 years through internship and mentorship programmes by placing the mentees in various organisations.
The Chief Executive Officer of MiDA, Mr. Martin Eson Benjamin, said education is a vital instrument when it comes to the development of the country. MiDA, thus, planned to partner KNUST to lead the charge in training ladies who are willing to be instruments of change. He appreciated the University for their commitment and hoped that the partnership will be sustained.
MiDA recognises that gender and social inclusion is a key requirement for ensuring economic growth and has developed a Social and Gender Integration (SGIP) to ensure Gender and Social inclusion across the Compact’s projects and activities.
The Ghana Power Compact Internship & Mentoring Program’ seeks to support female students in STEM fields to gain practical skills relevant for the job market in the energy sector, build their confidence, strengthen networking for employment and improve their coping skills to deal with stereotypes and negative attitudes towards women in Science.