More than 300 Senior High School girls are taking their first big step into the world of innovation through the annual Girls’ Camp organized by Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Ghana (WiSTEMGh).
Now in its sixth year, the program has camped 320 students from 30 schools across five regions at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The week-long program brings together girls, mostly pursuing General Science, with the aim of demystifying science while building their confidence and interest in STEM education.
The camp, themed “STEM Without Limit: Empowering and Inspiring Girls who Change the Game”, takes students out of the classroom and into real-world experiences, including industrial tours, mentorship sessions, and hands-on projects.
With 60 percent of participating schools drawn from rural areas, organizers say the camp is deliberately structured to bridge the gap between elite urban schools and those with fewer resources.
Head of the Gender Inclusive and Vulnerability (GIV) office at KNUST and General Secretary of WiSTEMGh, Prof. Mercy Badu, explained that exposing young women to practical applications is key to fueling their interest.
“We think that when they are exposed to the practical applications of STEM, they will end up appreciating it more because then they see it in their day-to-day activities. Their interest will grow and that will cause them to have some love for the field,” she said.
One of the highlights of the camp is the mini-project, where students develop innovative solutions to everyday problems.
Co-chair of the camp and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Animal Science, Dr. Anthoinette Simpah Anim-Jnr, said the exercise has proven to be a turning point for many girls.
“They get to do hands on or practical projects that will impact lives and solve societal problems. Once they get to understand, have a feel and passion for what they are doing, it’s easier for them to choose, making it easier for them to decide on future careers,” she explained.
However, organizers say sustaining the program remains a challenge.
Founder of WiSTEMGh, Prof. Ibok Oduro, appealed to government, industry, and private partners to step in with financial support in order to expand the project.
“If every community or stakeholder decides that they are going to pick two schools from their regions and sponsor them, we will be open to do that,” she urged.
Luv FM, one of the camp’s sponsors, has pledged continued support to amplify the impact of the program and ensure the initiative reaches more young women across the country.
Since its inception in 2018, WiSTEMGh Girls’ Camp has provided a platform for hundreds of young women to explore science and technology in ways that go beyond the classroom