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Published: Mon, 11/04/2024 - 17:34

Two female faculty members of the ��ɫ��Ƶ (UEW), Dr. Nelly Adjoa Sakyi-Hagan and Prof. Ruby Hanson, are leading the first-ever African Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists (ACWES 2024) in Rwanda.

This conference, which will be held from the 4th to the 8th of November, 2024, marks a significant milestone for African women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, as it is the first conference of its kind on the continent.

Dr. Nelly Adjoa Sakyi-Hagan, a lecturer at the Department of Integrated Science Education, will serve as the Chair of the Conference, while Prof. Ruby Hanson, an esteemed Professor from the Department of Chemistry Education, heads the Scientific Committee. Their pivotal roles in this event underscore UEW’s commitment to fostering leadership and innovation in STEM education and research across Africa.

ACWES 2024 is being organised with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) and the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES). The conference brings together female scientists, engineers, policymakers, and advocates worldwide to address the unique challenges African women face in STEM careers. Key topics on the agenda include enhancing representation, bridging policy gaps, and creating accessible educational and career pathways for young women and girls pursuing STEM fields.

Dr. Nelly Adjoa Sakyi-Hagan (left) and Prof. Ruby Hanson

Dr. Sakyi-Hagan, a strong advocate for women and girls in science, is well-known for her leadership in outreach and capacity-building projects across Ghana and her work on initiatives to enhance menstrual hygiene awareness and girls' academic achievement. Prof. Hanson, renowned for her works in chemistry education, is passionate about science education and has been a vocal advocate for empowering women scientists and engineers in Africa. Together, the two exemplify the transformative impact African women leaders in STEM can make on the global stage.

The leadership of Dr. Sakyi-Hagan and Prof. Hanson at ACWES 2024 elevates UEW’s reputation as a leading institution for STEM education in Africa and inspires the next generation of women scientists and engineers.

As ACWES 2024 unfolds, it promises to lay a strong foundation for ongoing initiatives for empowering African women in STEM, ensuring that women from diverse backgrounds contribute meaningfully to the global scientific community.