Women in Engineering, Obuasi chapter focuses on producing more female engineers in Obuasi

The number of Ghanaian women in the engineering profession is very low compared to that of men, despite efforts by successive governments to bridge the gap.

Among other reasons, the absence of counseling in secondary schools, difficulties in understanding mathematical concepts, criticism, and discouragement from people, and the low number of female lecturers are some of the causes of low female participation in engineering.

It is for this reason that Women in Engineering Ghana (WinE) Ghana, Obuasi chapter has collaborated with AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine to roll out a Girls in Mentorship program at the Christ the King Catholic Senior High School in Obuasi.

The objective, according to the President of the Obuasi chapter of Women in Engineering, Ing. Sarah Agyen-Mensah, was to empower female students to develop more interest in STEM-related subjects.

She said gone are the days when STEM courses were the preserve of men, but recent events have demonstrated that a lot of females are making strides in the engineering fields, with many of them assuming high-profile roles in the sector.

Speaking to the media at the sidelines of a durbar to mark the 2nd edition forum of the group in Obuasi, Ing. Agyen Mensah said the forum was organized ostensibly to empower women engineers to appreciate their chosen field and know the critical nature of their contributions towards engineering.

The forum had experienced women engineers in various fields who took participants through areas they can navigate to become successful in the engineering field.

"The involvement of women in engineering has become very critical; hence, it was imperative to continue to empower them to understand their contributions to making the field better," she added.

Ing. Eric Broni, the chairperson of the Obuasi chapter of the Ghana Institute of Engineers, Obuasi chapter, explained the relevance of having more female engineers in the country. He said statistically, only 10-20% of females are in the engineering sector, reinforcing the need to empower women to become engineers. He said the Obuasi chapter of the Ghana Institute of Engineers is leaving no stone unturned in their quest to nurture more women through forums and other educational activities to encourage more females to join the sector.

Priscilla Edmondson, the first female winding engineer at AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, emphasized the need to encourage more women to join the field.

She reaffirmed the contributions of family and society in making that a reality. "Society should not make it difficult for women to become engineers. We should not stereotype people who would want to join the sector. We should also encourage them to understand that engineering is not the preserve of only men."