Senior lecturer and Associate Professor at the Department of Chemistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof. Mrs. Mercy Badu, has called on women to see themselves as agents of change in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). She made this passionate appeal on Friday, March 7, at the Lady Julia’s Mentorship Masterclass 2025 held at the Great Hall, KNUST.
The event brought together influential women, including Her Royal Highness Lady Julia Osei-Tutu, wife of Asantehene Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II and queen mother of the Ashanti Region; Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice Chancellor of KNUST; Dr Nana Phillis Tawiah, Senior Lecturer and Geriatrician at the Department of Medicine; Nana Prof Ekua Suapim Nyaniba I, Queen Mother of the Oguaa Traditional Area; and Mrs. Appiah Boakye Wiafe Addo, Project Director at the World University Service of Canada. In her address, Prof. Badu described STEM as a teaching approach designed to foster problem-solving skills and collaboration among students.
She emphasized that women in STEM bring unique perspectives to male-dominated fields, driving innovation and contributing significantly to economic growth and societal progress. Highlighting the challenges women face in STEM, she mentioned the struggle for work-life balance due to biological and socially constructed gender roles, a lack of female role models, and issues of workplace harassment and discrimination.
Despite these obstacles, she reaffirmed that STEM education opens numerous opportunities, including networking, career development, and scholarships. “Empowering women in STEM strengthens the entire community by fostering diversity and inclusion,” she said, adding that closing the gender gap is essential for collective advancement.
Quoting Maya Angelou, Prof. Badu noted, “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” She urged women to unite in their efforts, stating that individual actions may achieve little, but collective efforts can drive remarkable change.
Themed “Accelerate Action: Together We Can Forge Women’s Equality,” the event underscored the importance of collaboration in celebrating women’s accomplishments and advocating for their rights.