- WiSTEM Ghana urges increased investment in girls' STEM education
- WiSTEM leaders stress need for partnerships and sponsorships
- 2025 WiSTEM Girls Camp to run Sept 22–26 at KNUST
Women in STEM Ghana (WiSTEMGh) is intensifying calls for greater investment in empowering girls and women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), citing a lack of sustainable funding as a major threat to ongoing efforts.
Despite rising advocacy for female participation in STEM, leaders of the organization say limited funding opportunities are undermining long-term progress. Speaking on Luv FM ahead of the upcoming 2025 WiSTEM Girls Camp, Co-chair Dr. (Mrs.) Antoinette Simpa Anim Jnr emphasized the urgent need for consistent financial support.
“Nothing is impossible. Females can break barriers. They only need to be encouraged and inspired—and this can only happen with adequate and sustained funding,” she stated.
While sponsorship has kept the initiative alive, Dr. Anim Jnr warned that without reliable and long-term support, the camp’s future is at risk.
“Sponsorship sustains the camp for now, but the future of this impactful programme remains uncertain without stronger backing,” she cautioned.
She added that WiSTEM Ghana’s current sustainability plan involves training girls who can eventually take ownership of the programme, alongside support from women in STEM-related fields. However, she acknowledged this model is not guaranteed to succeed without adequate financial backing.
The 2025 WiSTEM Girls Camp is scheduled for September 22–26 at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). It will host 300 girls and 60 trainers for a week of mentorship, innovation, and hands-on STEM learning.
Funded entirely by contributions from stakeholders—including the Vice Chancellor of KNUST as the lead sponsor—the camp offers more than just theory. Participants will engage in mini-projects such as:
- Building balloon-powered cars
- Constructing solar ovens
- Designing mobile apps
- Creating health and nutrition models
They’ll also take part in practical sessions in physics, biology, engineering, IT, pharmacy, and agriculture.
WiSTEM Ghana’s leadership stressed the transformative impact of the initiative, urging stakeholders not to underestimate its value in shaping the future of young girls and women in Ghana.
“We are calling for more sponsorships and strategic partnerships to make the camp even more attractive and sustainable for years to come,” Dr. Anim Jnr appealed.
Since its inception, the WiSTEM Girls Camp has served as a unique platform for girls to gain exposure, technical skills, and confidence to pursue STEM careers. With continued support from KNUST and other partners, organizers hope the 2025 edition will both inspire and secure the future of the programme as a driving force for change in Ghana’s STEM landscape.
