By Juliet ETEFE
Experts have called for bold and intentional action to break structural and cultural barriers limiting women’s participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
They emphasised further that breaking deep-seated gender barriers in STEM is not just about achieving equality, as it is also imperative to national development.
Speaking at the maiden ShePower Summit 2025 organised by Vivo Energy Ghana, they argued that inclusive participation of women in STEM fields is critical to driving innovation, economic growth and sustainable development.
Themed
‘Fuelling Change: Redefining Possibilities for Women in STEM’,
the summit brought together thought-leaders, industry professionals, policymakers and young women who advocated for transformative change in traditionally male-dominated sector like oil and gas, energy, engineering and technology.
They made urgent calls to dismantle entrenched stereotypes, address policy and structural inequities and accelerate women’s representation in leadership and decision-making roles
In a keynote address on behalf of the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Programme Officer Miriam Boafowaa Opoku affirmed that the country’s development agenda cannot succeed without intentional inclusion of women in the STEM ecosystem.
“The participation of women in STEM is not just desirable, it is essential for innovation, economic growth and sustainable national progress,” she emphasised.
She emphasized several policy measures including the newly enacted Affirmative Action Gender Equality Act of 2024, designed to bolster women’s involvement in governance and leadership roles. Additionally, she discussed the forthcoming National Gender Policy set for 2025, which aims to integrate STEM education and entrepreneurial opportunities for women into national strategies.
She highlighted the establishment of STEM model schools nationwide, aimed at developing essential abilities in problem-solving, creativity, and digital literacy—key resources for fostering future women leaders.
Some presenters contended that policies alone aren’t sufficient, emphasizing instead that genuine change needs to start with shifts in social perspectives, business frameworks, and personal viewpoints.
The Chief Human Resources Officer at Vivo Energy Group, Reinette Wessels, highlighted that fostering women’s empowerment involves more than just providing opportunities; it also requires establishing sustainable systems for development.
She emphasized that incorporating gender diversity should be thoroughly integrated into leadership training, executive succession strategies, and employee advancement pathways.
Ms. Wessels emphasized Vivo Energy’s initiatives to shift perspectives, noting: “Our internal empowerment workshops tackle crucial issues like performance transparency, resilience, wellness, unconscious biases, impostor syndrome, balancing work with life, and personal branding” — elements that frequently obstruct women’s progress regardless of their competence.
She added that women make up just 23 percent of the global oil and gas workforce and while Vivo Energy has reached 34.5percent female representation, the company has set an ambitious target of 40 percent across Africa and 45 percent at professional skills levels by 2026.
She encouraged the attendees to fully embrace responsibility for both their personal and professional development, highlighting the idea of “taking charge of your seed capital—being responsible for your performance, maintaining consistency, establishing distinct objectives, and developing a robust personal brand.”
Ms. Wessels highlighted that growth is a personal journey that must be intentionally driven, encouraging young women to track their progress, sharpen their skills and always be prepared to seize opportunities.
She further stressed the importance of building strong networks, seeking mentorship and embracing continuous learning, adding that trust and respect are earned over time through resilience, humility and consistent effort.
She called on participants to be bold in decision-making, advocate for their strengths and support others on their path to success.
“It is not just about rising, it is also about lifting others as you rise,” she said.
Dr. Ellen Hagan, CEO-L’aine Services Limited and Co-founder of Legacy Girls College, also challenged women to rethink their roles in society and boldly step into spaces traditionally dominated by men.
Dr. Hagan urged women to resist settling for the status quo and challenge deeply ingrained social norms that limit their potential.
She said, ‘We frequently await authorization to take charge, yet genuine leaders emerge and seize their place.’
She highlighted the effects of imposter syndrome and urged women to confidently own their knowledge and skills.
She advocated for a change in perspective, encouraging women to back each other up, guide those who follow, and pave the way for future generations. She stated, “Someone needs to begin this journey. Someone must take action. Why not let that someone be you?”
She praised Vivo Energy Ghana for introducing the groundbreaking ShePower platform, calling it a significant effort that is facilitating progress within the oil and gas industry and extending its impact further.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
