Women already in STEM must inspire, mentor younger generation — Engineer

An Engineer and legal practitioner, Agnes Afi Fugah, has stated the need for young women to be encouraged to not only take keen interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), but also build capacity to climb up the ladder in their chosen professions.

She said it was also important for those who had excelled in their professions to accept leadership roles to serve as inspiration and mentors for the young generation.

“It is easy to have conversations about girls and young ladies in STEM, and while there seem to be many of them venturing into the space, it is important for them to see many more women excel in the space to sustain their interest in STEM to build careers out of them.

“Importantly, it is not enough to get them in there, they have to be inspired and mentored to go all the way up as far as their careers and competencies will take them including leadership roles in the professional and academic space.

“That is how we can deliberately improve upon the numbers of getting females very much involved in STEM,” she stated

She was speaking to a group of young professionals as part of an event to mark International Women’s Day (IWD).

Ms Fugah, who is a chief engineer, said it was as a result of this that she had decided to vie for a role as a Council Member of the Ghana Institute of Engineering (GhIE).

“With extensive experience as a chief engineer, I have faced the challenges of the field with resilience and determination and we must mentor and inspire the young ones to stay on.

“Collaborating with diverse stakeholders has been an invaluable learning experience, with each interaction serving as a stepping stone in my personal and professional development and I hope I can share those experiences as they have enriched my understanding of the complexities of engineering and enhanced my ability to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the profession,” she said.

GhIE elections

The elections will be during the GhIE annual general meeting and conference to select officers who will serve for the next two years.

Among the several key positions being vied for are president, vice president, four executive representatives, three national councillors and the President of Women in Engineering (WinE).

Ms Fugah is one of seven people contesting for the three slots. The others are Dr Ken Ashigbey, Dr Michael Ankamah Bekoe, Gertrude Dakpe Awumee, Samuel Boamah Danquah, Jonas Aziafor and Lucy Agyepong.

 Joyce Asante, Jane Naki Tetteh-Anowie and Margaret Mary Bruce-Mensah are contesting to be the WinE President. 

Making impact

Ms Fugah said she was hoping to be elected to serve as a councillor of the institution to help deepen its impact.

“Giving back has always been a fundamental passion of mine, shaping my journey from a young age. As I continue to grow, my commitment to making a meaningful impact in the engineering profession has only deepened. I am dedicated to contributing with enthusiasm, dedication, and strategic leadership to the Engineering Council.

“As a legal professional, I hope to play a crucial regulatory role, ensuring that committees operate in accordance with established legislation and uphold the highest ethical standards,” she stated.