Education Director of the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese (AAK) District in the Central Region, Ms. Mary Cudjoe, has urged basic school girls to discard fear and confidently pursue studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) — stressing that fear should never be a barrier to success in scientific fields.

Ms. Mary Cudjoe made this address to a number of female JHS students from selected basic schools in the district, at a ceremony held in commemoration of the International Day of Girls and Women in STEM at the Abura Dunkwa Methodist Basic School on the theme, "From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap."

The Director underscored that scientific brilliance does not belong solely to boys, but to any girl bold enough to explore, learn and persevere. Her address focused on empowering girls to view science not as intimidating or out of reach, but as a gateway to future opportunities, innovation and personal achievement.

“Fear is often the first challenge girls face when considering science — not lack of ability,” the Director said. “But I am here to tell you that with curiosity, support and hard work, you can make it.”

The event which saw pupils from selected schools like Baiden Walker Basic School, Abura Dunkwa Methodist 'A' and 'B' School, Abura Dunkwa Islamic Basic School, Abura Dunkwa Catholic 'A' and 'B', Abuenu D/A Basic School, and Gyabankrom Basic School, had the Molex Foundation Africa train the students on robotics, as Ms. Conradine Esi Yanney, Cluster Chairperson for CAMFED Association in the AAK District also addressing the students. 

She encouraged students to ask questions, seek mentorship and embrace science with the same enthusiasm they show in other areas of learning, as recent school-level interventions highlights that many girls opt out of science or mathematics not because they lack talent, but because they fear failure or feel discouraged by stereotypes. In some schools, for example, learners with strong grades still switch out of science courses due to fear of difficulty. 

Speaking in an interview with Sompa TV's Eric Annan, Ms. Benedicta Ampofo, AAK District STEM Coordinator underscored that a UNESCO data shows that, globally, women represent only about 35% of STEM graduates, and similar patterns are seen at the basic and secondary levels in Ghana. A data she share immense worry over and envisaged a rampant improvement with adequate steps.

"A little about 35% of women are able to graduate in STEM education and this is worrisome, so I entreat the teachers to encourage and mentor the children to drive away fear from them," she implored.

Across Ghana and most African countries, girls are significantly underrepresented in STEM subjects — a gap often driven by cultural stereotypes, lack of role models, and perceptions that science and technology are too difficult or “not for girls.” 

"We are confident that science and mathematics are subjects we can equally study and become successful"

Several female students at the event shared how confidence-building programs have helped them reconceptualize their relationship with STEM. One student remarked that science “now feels like a challenge I can take on,” echoing sentiments seen across other STEM engagement efforts nationwide.

Sompaonline.com//Eric Annan