The Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Academic City University College, Ing. Dr Lucy Agyepong, has emphasized the importance of STEM education for developing the essential skills needed in the modern workplace and addressing the diverse challenges faced by Ghana.
Ing. Dr Lucy Agyepong stated in her address that knowing how important increasing diversity and inclusion is, she has always been passionate about promoting STEM education.
She made this statement during the Females in Tech (FEMITECH) Conference 2024 which was organized by the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE) on March 7, 2024.
Delving into STEM, Ing. Dr Agyepong disclosed that Science studies the natural world through experiments, while Technology applies scientific knowledge to create useful things, Engineering designs and builds Technology, and Math provides the foundations and tools.
Speaking on the topic: “Inspire Inclusion: STEM Education the Game Changer”, explained why a diverse range of perspectives is crucial for societal progress through STEM, adding that, digital skills for the workplace are crucial.
Ing. Lucy Agyepong further discussed why inclusivity is essential for innovation and growth citing Ghana as an example of a country that faces diverse challenges of inclusion.
“Only by inspiring inclusion through educational reforms can Ghana truly unleash the potential of its citizens to solve problems through the powerful tools of STEM. Diversity is the key to progress and innovation in an increasingly technological world.”
“Stakeholders must work together to provide resources, attract underrepresented groups and prepare students for disruptive technologies of the future. Advocates must promote STEM accessibility for all,” she added.
Dr. Lucy further advocated increasing STEM access and changing perceptions highlighting role models like Prof. Elsie Kaufmann and Farida Bedwei, who overcame obstacles to succeed in STEM despite humble beginnings or disabilities.
She concluded by calling for collaboration with stakeholders and shareholders. “Stakeholders must work together to provide resources, attract underrepresented groups and prepare students for disruptive technologies of the future. Advocates must promote STEM accessibility for all,” she said.
This year’s FEMITECH conference expanded its reach to three cities—Accra, Sunyani, and Bolga—drawing over 460 in-person attendees and 1,000 virtual participants.
At the event, three women were awarded for their role in promoting technology, namely; Hon Ama Pomaa Boateng, MP for JUABEN Constituency, Ashanti Region; Madam Esther Akua Gyamfi, Executive Secretary of the National Council on Persons with Disabilities (NCPD); and Thabisile Phumo, Executive Vice President for Stakeholder Relations at Sibanye-Stillwater, South Africa.
The FEMITECH Conference convened women from academia, industry, and beyond to deliberate on the challenges associated with gender equality and equity. An annual event commemorating International Women’s Day, FEMITECH aims to celebrate female achievements in technology while highlighting the abundance of opportunities in ICT for women. Organized by the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, the conference serves as a platform for empowering women and driving inclusivity in the technology sector.