Molex Foundation Africa has successfully launched an initiative to significantly promote gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) education.
Aimed at Supporting Heroines in STEM Education and Research Opportunities, the initiative has been christened with the acronym SHEROSE.
The launch drew together participants from some of the Senior and Junior High Schools in the Central Region, as well as others from Cape Coast Technical University and University of Cape Coast (UCC).
Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of Molex Africa, Dr Patrick Essien, indicated that the initiative was committed to providing a platform for networking, mentorship and career development.
He said, “We recognised the pressing need to empower the next generation with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world”.
Molex Foundation Africa, he said was, therefore, born out of a vision to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young individuals across Ghana.
The foundation, he added, focused on education, empowerment and innovation, hence its commitment to embarking on a mission to foster growth and development in communities across the nation.
Molex Foundation Africa CEO, Dr. Patrick Essien, who is also a Lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, assured the participants that a two week’s camp would be organised to train selected girls in AI and Robotics at UCC.
Some distinguished and accomplished women in academia who were speakers for the launch, took turns to address the gathering where they shared their passions for STEM and gender equality.
A Computer Scientist and a Lecturer at UCC and STEM advocate, Dr Regina Esi Turkson, inspired the audience with her keynote address which emphasised the importance of diversity in driving innovation and problem-solving.
The Head of UK Hydrology and Ecology Centre in West Africa, Ms Adelaide Asantewaa Asante, disclosed that ‘SHEROSE’ was a vital initiative that addressed the under representation of women in STEM fields.
She, therefore, encouraged the participants not to shy away from science related programmes and see same as male dominated domain but pursue same with deep passion and interest.
The Head of Physics Department, University of Ghana and Vice Chair of IPCC, Prof Nana Ama Browne Klutse chaired the programme.
In her closing remarks, she indicated that ‘SHEROES’ could be a game changer to revolutionise the country’s quest to advance and develop in technology.
