The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (WiSTEM - Gh) chapter at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi in partnership with Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) has hosted a mentorship-shadowing programme aimed at inspiring senior high school girls to pursue careers in science and technology.
The event forms part of activities marking the 2026 International Day for Women and Girls in Science.
Dubbed “A Day in the Life of a STEM Professional,” the programme brought 17 selected female science students from various senior high schools onto the KNUST for a full day of hands-on exposure.
Through the initiative, the students were paired with WiSTEM mentors and taken through real-life academic and research routines. Participants shadowed their mentors during lectures, laboratory work and office engagements, offering them a first-hand look at what life looks like for women working in STEM fields.
Professor Mercy Badu, General Secretary of WiSTEM, speaking on behalf of the President, Prof (Mrs) Ibok Oduro said the programme was designed to move beyond inspiration to inclusion.
She noted that science knows no gender and that initiatives like the mentorship-shadowing exercise help dismantle barriers that limit girls’ participation in science and innovation.
“This is our way of celebrating the International Day for Women and Girls in Science. We want young girls to see that science is lived every day , in our lectures, our laboratories and our homes and that women can thrive in these spaces while leading full lives,” she said.
Professor Badu encouraged the students to actively engage their mentors, ask questions about their career journeys and understand how they balance professional and personal responsibilities. According to her, these conversations are key to helping young girls build confidence and sustain interest in STEM-related careers.
Dr. (Mrs) Mary Arthur, Food Safety and Quality Manager at Olam Cocoa Processing Ghana Limited, said the company’s participation was driven by its commitment to community development and women empowerment through its Globally Reaching ofi Women (GROW) initiative.
She explained that ofi, particularly within the cocoa sector, is keen on nurturing talent from farming communities to rise through the value chain, not only as farmers but also as processors, scientists and professionals in related fields.
“Through GROW, we bring women together to support each other’s development. Partnering WiSTEM allows these young ladies to see a future for themselves in science and industry,” Mrs Arthur said.
Throughout the day, students interacted closely with WiSTEM executives and professionals, learning about their work and gaining motivation from real-world STEM experiences.
