Women and girls set sights on science careers with support of CCBA

Women and girls are setting their sights on science careers with the support of CCBA

African women are boldly taking their rightful place in the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with the support of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), as the world marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science today .

“In the age of digitization, concerns about climate change and health crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of scientific and technological capacity is clearer than ever,” according to a World Bank article on the topic.

“Individuals with advanced skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are essential to push us to new frontiers and also to overcome important challenges. However, the potential of one group has been constantly exploited in this regard: women.

The authors say only 30% of science professionals in sub-Saharan Africa are women. Research shows several factors that contribute to the underrepresentation of women in STEM – negative stereotypes about the abilities of girls and women in STEM fields, discrimination against women in the classroom and the workplace and traditional gender roles that place a disproportionate burden of domestic responsibilities. women’s shoulders, leaving less time to work in the laboratory, attend conferences and build networks.

Removing these barriers is an important step towards closing the gender gap and giving women equal opportunities to succeed in STEM.

Managing Director of CCBA Voltic (GH) Ltd, Flora Jika, said CCBA is committed to playing a role in promoting the advancement of women in science.

“Because women are integral to the success of our continent, we strive to empower women and girls across our markets on the continent,” said Jika.

“Our goal is to create greater shared opportunities for the businesses and communities we serve in the value chain. Opportunities are more than just money, they are about a better future for people and communities everywhere on the African continent.

In Ghana, Voltic (GH) Limited has partnered with the Girls Excellence Movement (GEM) to increase its impact on the lives of women and children in the communities where it operates. GEM is a volunteer team of Ghanaian, Nigerian, Tanzanian, American, and British youth professionals who dedicate their skills, time, and other resources to deliver capacity building programs for girls.

GEM’s vision is to inspire, educate, mentor, and inform girls to become transformative leaders. It develops girls into wonderful, independent, confident, knowledgeable, and fearless women who are able and willing to take leadership in all areas of life, especially careers in STEM fields.

In the partnership, GEM and Voltic organized the first Inspiration-On-Wheels outreach to the Comboni Technical Vocational Institute (COMBOTECH) in Sogakope in the Volta Region of Ghana in 2022.

Discussions during the session covered a wide range of topics, including menstrual health and online rights, STEM subjects and careers, sexual assault awareness and how to effectively join a mentor team. The girls were also given free sanitary pads and math sets.

Voltic has also partnered with non-profit organization Girls in Science and Technology (GIST).

GIST’s mission aligns with Voltic’s passion for empowering women and youth, providing the mentorship and coaching needed for successful and impactful STEM careers, and providing opportunities in the STEM industry.

Voltic supports GIST with internship opportunities for female STEM students relevant to the company’s operations. Voltic also partners with GIST to organize empowerment campaign programs for girls in secondary and tertiary institutions in Ghana.

In 2022, GIST also launched the GIST-UMaT Chapter in Takoradi. The aim is to promote the participation of young women in STEM, to increase their interest in the career opportunities available to them. This chapter seeks to create a community where girls have blueprint role models to look up to. It will also open up internship opportunities to give you the head start you need for a successful STEM career.

Referring to the success of CCBA’s women’s empowerment program, Jika said: “By investing in women’s economic empowerment, we have created shared value with hope for a better future – improving livelihoods for women, their families, and communities, and with including expanding our business.

“The aim is to increase income, provide decent earning potential and improve business skills and knowledge for women, so they can access other opportunities.”

The post Women and girls set sights on science careers with support from CCBA appeared first on Citinewsroom – Comprehensive News in Ghana.

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