A day’s mentorship session has been organized for all female engineering students of Sunyani Technical University (STU) in Sunyani as part of measures to demystify the various misconceptions surrounding the study of any of the engineering programmes, which is among the male-dominated areas of study in the University.
Among others, the programme was aimed at inspiring, equipping and empowering female students across civil, electrical, mechanical and materials engineering departments to strive for excellence respective areas of study.
Dubbed, Trailblazing women engineers, the session was under the theme: “Breaking barriers, building legacies: the future is female engineered” and was organized by the female lecturers at the Faculty of Engineering of the University, who have been exploring ways of mentoring female students in the faculty as well as encouraging more females to venture into the study of engineering-related courses.
Addressing the students, the Guest Speaker for the occasion, Ing. Mrs. Victoria Afriyie Darkwa, the Bono Regional Director of the Department of Urban Roads, noted that the future of engineering cannot be complete without women.
Under-representation
She said it is evident that women have over the years been underrepresented in engineering, acknowledging that the path to this profession has often been fraught with challenges such as gender stereotypes, limited mentorship and systemic barriers, among others.
“Today, we are witnessing a new era where women are no longer waiting to be invited to the table. They are building the table. In civil engineering, women are designing highways, bridges and water systems that connect and serve millions. In electrical and electronics engineering, women are shaping the future through smart technologies, power distribution, automation and telecommunication. In mechanical engineering, women are innovating in areas such as sustainable energy, manufacturing systems and automative design. You, the students at Sunyani Technical University, are part of this inspiring shape”, she pointed out.
Good conduct
Ing. Mrs. Afriyie Darkwa reminded the female engineering students that it is not enough to acquire technical skills and that the world needs engineers with strong character, integrity and emotional intelligence.
“Your conduct, both within and outside the lecture hall, must reflect the values of professionalism, respect and responsibility. Good behavior creates opportunities…it distinguishes you from others when you step into the world of work”, she added.
She challenged them to think more than just obtaining a certificate upon graduation or landing in an engineering job.
“Look beyond the immediate and begin to envision the long-term contribution you want to make not just for industry but in shaping lives and impacting the next generation”, the Regional Urban Roads Director emphasized.
Narrative changing
Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah, the Vice-Chancellor of STU, for his part, stated that the University recognizes engineering and innovation as strong as the diversity of minds that drive them.
He said even though women historically have faced significant barriers in entering and thriving within technical professions, the story is gradually changing.
“Through mentorship, meaningful engagement and shared experiences, we are nurturing a generation of female engineers who will lead with confidence, courage and competence”, he added.
Self-confidence
Ing. Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah encouraged the female engineering students to strive for the best, bearing in mind that with a focused mind, perseverance, determination and self-confidence, the skies remain their limit.
The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Daniel Wiafe, identified stereotyping, fewer mentorship programmes as well as the lack of role models as some of the challenges accounting for the lower number of females in the field of engineering.
He was, however, happy that some strides are being recorded in this regard. For instance, he said, the number of female engineering students has shot up from 4.2% to 12% over the past year in STU while the figure has also increased from 12% to 18% in KNUST over the same period.
Also in attendance were the Dean of Students of STU, Dr. Mrs. Vida Owusu Prempeh; the Bono Regional Chairman of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Rev. Eng. Dr. Frimpong Kyeremeh; the Public Relations Officer of STU, Safura Mohammed Suraj and Eng. Dr. Mrs. Jacqline Adongo of the Faculty of Engineering, among several others.
There was a panel discussion and an open forum as part of the programme.
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