The Labone Senior High School in Accra became a hub of innovation and inspiration as the InovTech Foundation hosted the Powered Girls Summit on Saturday, November 30, under the theme “Igniting Her Potential.”
The event brought together junior and senior high school students from across the Greater Accra Region, fostering discussions on how young girls can lead and thrive in STEM fields.
In her welcome address, Ms. Richlyn Siaw, Director of Policy and Strategic Engagement at the InovTech STEM Centre, emphasised the importance of collaboration in advancing opportunities for young women. “We are grateful for your presence and support. To our dignitaries, sponsors, partners, and media partners, we are excited to have you on board to empower these girls with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in STEM fields,” she said. “I hope this summit will be a rich and worthwhile experience for every one of you.”
Dr. Elena Rosca, Head of Engineering at Ashesi University, spoke about the transformative power of education and determination.
She shared how Ashesi University grew from a single laboratory to an internationally recognised institution in just 20 years. “Even though you’re a small part of the journey, you can play a significant role and bring great impact to STEM, technology, and innovation in Ghana and worldwide,” Dr. Rosca stated. She recounted stories of Ashesi students achieving international recognition, including a recent journey to Paris. “Once you put your mind to something, you can achieve it.”
Founding Headteacher of Africa Science Academy, Ms. Efua Adabie, encouraged the girls to dream boldly and use STEM to solve pressing societal challenges. “Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with over 400 million young people between the ages of 15 and 35. By 2030, 42% of the world’s youth will be African,” she said.
Highlighting the under-representation of women in science—only 30% of the continent’s professionals—Ms. Adabie called on the girls to seize opportunities. “We were moving mountains long before we knew we could. There can be miracles when you believe,” she said, urging attendees to embrace non-traditional STEM careers and believe in their ability to innovate.
The first panel discussion, “Driving Change: Girls as Leaders in the Digital Age,” featured insights from professionals such as Jessica Ahedor of Science Journalism Ghana and Ms. Adabie.
Jessica highlighted the media’s limited coverage of science in the country, emphasising the untapped potential of fields like archaeology, physics, and robotics. She stressed the importance of bridging the gap between scientists and the public, stating, “We are here, and we are supposed to help them tell their stories.” Reflecting on her journey, she shared that Science Journalism Ghana has mentored 40 journalists since 2020, despite challenges like her own lack of mentorship, to promote greater visibility for STEM achievements.
Efua described herself as a “teaching engineer” who bridges gaps and helps students advance in their learning. She urged young people to embrace curiosity, critique effectively, and find innovative solutions to societal challenges. Highlighting the importance of inclusion, she said, “If you are able to design things in the digital age that work for 40% of the world, you are running things. It’s not about the West or Asia; it’s about the power we have in numbers.” Adabie emphasised that impactful work will attract opportunities, encouraging participants to take initiative in shaping solutions that meet Africa’s unique needs.
Workshops provided hands-on experiences in areas such as AI and machine learning, robotics, 3D modelling, app development, product design, and drone operation.
The second panel, which discussed “Innovating for Impact: Girls in Emerging Technologies,” included Adiza Alhassan of Divas in AI Ghana, Akweley Abena Okai of Revela, and Aisha Badmus of IoT Network Hub.
Adiza Alhassan of Divas in AI Ghana recounted her early experience as an intern with a Singaporean company, where she faced challenges in having her ideas acknowledged. Determined to assert herself, she sought feedback and spoke up. Her advice to others: “If you saw me capable enough to embark on this internship, I believe I have something to contribute.” Adiza emphasised the importance of confidence and self-advocacy in breaking barriers and making meaningful contributions in STEM fields.
Akweley shared her unconventional journey into emerging technologies, transitioning from a background in biochemistry to becoming a software developer and entrepreneur. She underscored the importance of self-confidence and mentorship in navigating uncharted territory, saying, “I didn’t have any blueprint, but I got mentors along the way and learnt as much as I could.” Akweley encouraged young women to explore opportunities in STEM, noting that digital jobs provide global access and limitless possibilities. She highlighted the role of initiatives like InnovTech in supporting girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
For her part, Aisha of IOT Network Hub shared her journey of balancing motherhood, family responsibilities, and a tech career without relying on a traditional 9-to-5 job. She emphasised the importance of self-care, acknowledging the challenges of burnout. “Burnout is real, and I’ve experienced it many times. Sometimes, I just take a step back and rely on my supportive family to help me recharge,” she said.
Both sessions were moderated by Tracy Tenkorang of InovTech STEM Centre.
The summit concluded with the launch of the Technovation Girls Competition by Jonathan Sowah, CEO of the InovTech STEM Centre. “This global program challenges young girls to develop mobile or web apps that solve community problems,” he announced, adding that winners would compete internationally with fully funded trips to the U.S. “Look at your environment—issues with sanitation, health, education—and think about solutions. This is your chance to change the world.”
Interested participants can apply through the official website: https://technovationchallenge.org/.
The summit was sponsored by STEM is for Everyone, BelAqua, TechNovation, and the InovTech STEM Centre, with additional support and collaboration from partner organisations and media outlets.
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