UHAS Women in STEM Network marshal Stakeholders for the Promotion of STEM

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Network engaged selected stakeholders in discussing ways to train, mentor and increase the participation of girls in STEM subjects at all levels of Ghana’s education ladder. The stakeholder engagement, which took place on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at the Central Administration block of the University at Sokode-Lokoe, Ho involved educationists from Ho Municipal Directorate of Ghana Education Service, second cycle institutions, healthcare practitioners and UHAS faculty and research fellows.

The project, a collaboration between UHAS, Edinburgh-Napier University and STEMBees Organization and funded by the British Council  is geared towards understanding and addressing the root causes of gender segregation in STEM subjects among female students and developing interventions through shared insights and  effective support systems, to break the barriers and incorporate an inclusive learning environment where girls can explore, learn and thrive in STEM fields.  

Speaking on the theme “Reducing Gender Segregation in STEM Subjects in Ghana through High School-Based Intervention”, Professor Lydia Aziato, the Vice Chancellor of UHAS and the Chairperson for the programme said the UHAS Women in STEM Network was created as part of this project and hosted under the Office of the Vice Chancellor in UHAS to support girls in STEM with tertiary education. She commended the British Council and other partners for supporting girls in STEM.  

The Director of Programmes and Partnerships at the British Council in Ghana, Mr. Richard Shiangbor said his outfit views it’s empowering of young women to pursue STEM as a vital investment in their future.

Dr. Grace Semabia Kpeli, the Principal Investigator of the UHAS Women in STEM Network project and a Senior Lecturer at UHAS School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences (SBBS), said the high rate of gender segregation and male dominance in decision making processes affect subject choices and career opportunities for young women, hence the need to break the barriers and support girls in STEM. Dr. Kpeli declared that the project is a great step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On behalf of the Ho Municipal Director of Education, the Municipal Coordinator for Science, Technology, Mathematics, Innovation and Education (STMIE), Ms. Veronica Sitsofe Agudogo assured participants of the commitment and support of the Ghana Education Service, Ho Municipal Directorate.

Ms. Eunice Berko Nartey, a Lecturer at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, UHAS School of Allied Health Sciences (SAHS), made a presentation highlighting key areas of the implementation phases of the project.

As a follow-up programme, a training session for about 90 girls in STEM is scheduled for October 15 and 16, 2025 at UHAS Main Campus, Sokode-Lokoe, Ho.

The UHAS Women in STEM Network project underscores the University's commitment to advancing gender equality and social equity.