The Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) and Africa Project has held a Women in Technology Symposium as part of its 1st Technological Conference and 3rd Regional Meeting under the theme, ‘Accelerating Technological Innovation Growth in West Africa’.
Prof. George Wiafe, GMES and Africa Project Manager, University of Ghana, in his welcome address stated the symposium was specifically devoted to celebrating women in technology. Prof. Wiafe considered it a great opportunity for the young girls to learn and gain the needed insight and motivation.
Prof. George Wiafe, GMES and Africa Project Manager, University of Ghana with some students and tutors
Dr. Regina Folorunsho, Director of Marine Meteorology and Climate Department, Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), who chaired the event, was happy with the high youth turnout at the symposium. She indicated that it shows the eagerness of the youth in contributing to finding solutions to the degradation of the marine environment and sustainability of marine resources.
Dr. Folorungho anticipated that the theme of the conference will inspire new ideas on how to make Blue Economy a reality in Africa through the adoption of improved processes and product. She said, “Accelerating technological innovation for Blue Economy can only be achieved under a pristine environment where new ideas are introduced from a variety of sources, embraced and integrated without prejudice of race or gender”.
The evolving nature of science and technology, according to Dr. Folorungho, is producing several solutions to emerging problems. This allows women in technology to contribute immensely to the achievement of the Blue Economy.
Dr. Folorungho
Prof. Elvis Tiburu, Chair of Research Committee, College of Basic and Applied Sciences (CBAS), in a statement, said the CBAS had started a scholarship programme to encourage young girls to further their education in post-graduate engineering. Prof. Tiburu added that it was very important for the girl-child to be educated in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Dr. Tidiane Ouattara, GMES and Africa Programmes Coordinator, expressed excitement in motivating and empowering girls to be more conversant with the technological field. He disclosed that the African Union Commission launched the African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Awards Programme to promote and encourage African women’s participation in Science, Technology and Innovation. He also said that special programmes had to be developed to recruit women scientists and provide them with a clear career path through coaching, mentoring and developing strong professional networks.
Dr. Tidiane Ouattara
Mrs. Eva Gyina-Bediako, Ghana Education Staff Development Institute, Saltpond District, representing Mr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh, Deputy Director General, Ghana Education Service, in her keynote address advised parents not to hinder or alter the career choices of their children, especially the females, but to be supportive as they pursue their passion.
Students from Wesley Girls High School, Ghana National College, Holy Child High School, Mfantsiman Girls High School and Apam Senior High School were present.
This symposium was a follow-up of GMES’s Women in Tech Campaign launched in September to close the gender gap in technology.
