IET-GH WiE BACKGROUND:
The IET Women-in-Engineering section of the Institution of Engineering and Technology in Ghana (IET-GH WiE) was formally inaugurated on 16th November 2019 during the IET-GH 33rd Annual General Meeting at Kumasi Technical University (KTU).
Women in engineering are indispensable contributors to the development and progress of our society. Recognizing the significance of their role, IET-Gh is dedicated to promoting gender diversity within engineering and providing support for women to excel in this field.
The Government of Ghana recognizes the importance of girls and women in STEM and TVET education and practice. They have initiated several programs and policies aimed at promoting gender equality in these areas. Furthermore, gender equality is a fundamental principle of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and it acknowledges that the active participation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is essential for achieving these goals.
At IET-Ghana, our commitment extends to aligning with the perspectives and initiatives of the Government of Ghana and the United Nations, in the areas of Girls and Women in STEM and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), by fostering diversity and inclusion within engineering.
OUR OBJECTIVES:
The WIE section of IET-GH supervises the execution and implementation of all decisions and functions as directed by the IET-GH Council, which affect the female members of the Institution. It also assists in implementing programmes and activities for female members and young women who may be interested in engineering, such as seminars, workshops, and field trips. Further, it aims to establish branches in the engineering firms that provide the bulk of its members.
Continually advocating for gender equality and equal opportunities for girls and women in engineering.
Offering resources and opportunities for women to enhance their engineering skills and knowledge
Providing mentorship programs to nurture and guide women engineers at all career stages.
Facilitating opportunities for women to connect with peers and mentors within the industry.
Celebrating the accomplishments of women engineers to inspire future generations.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
Membership with IET-Ghana offers various benefits for women in engineering:
OUTREACH:
IET-GH WIE is strongly aware that numbers of women in engineering are low in Ghana and around the world. Outreach and education on engineering and technology career pathways are important missions for IET-GH WIE. Members are available to speak to schools, clubs, teachers, and parents about options for girls interested in engineering careers, and ways to get girls interested in engineering and technology so that they consider these fields for their future careers.
To date, IET-GH WIE has reached out to over 1,000 girls in junior and senior high schools offering Science. We actively engage in outreach programs aimed at encouraging young girls and women to pursue careers in engineering, in collaboration with the Government of Ghana. These programs include workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns conducted in partnership with secondary and tertiary educational institutions, the Ghana Education Service, as well as other partners.
PROJECTS & PROGRAMS:
Our involvement in projects and programs to address gender disparities in engineering remains steadfast, aligning with the Government of Ghana’s initiatives:
Some of our recent activities include: mentorship for girls and women in STEM and TVET, collaboration with World University Service of Canada (WUSC) in Accra, Takoradi and Kumasi (2021 to date); Mentorship Program for basic and senior high schools in Sunyani (July 2023), Scholarship scheme in collaboration with IET-Gh President started in 2022, IET-WiE Conference (August 2021), outreach at Aburi Girls Senior High School. (2020), in addition to several professional development seminars, workshops, trainings and webinars.
MENTORING INITIATIVES:
Our mentoring initiatives offer invaluable support and guidance to students entering or considering fields in engineering or technology, as well and women engineers who are looking to advance in their chosen fields. Experienced professionals in our network serve as mentors, sharing their wisdom, experiences, and insights to help girls and women overcome challenges and achieve their professional goals.
IET-GH WiE EXECUTIVES :
The membership of IET-GH WIE consists of female members of all classes of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Ghana, and includes Fellows, Professional Engineers, Engineering Technologists, Affiliates, and Graduates and Student Members.
No | Date | Activity and structure | Target Group | Location and tentative venues |
1 | Feb 18, Friday | Guidance and Counseling Week Celebration | Upper Primary Schools Senior High Schools (500 learners) | Venue: Ghanata Senior High, Dodowa |
2 | Apr 28, Thursday International Girls in ICT Day | Symposium | Senior High Schools, T-VET, Tertiary Engineering Students | Kumasi |
3 | Jun 23, Thursday International Women in Engineering Day | Plenary and Field Visit | Professionals / Practitioners, especially Female Engineers in the District Assemblies | Takoradi |
4 | Oct 11, Tuesday International Day of the Girl Child | Workshop and Field visit | Primary (Upper) SHS T-VET | Sunyani |
The membership of IET-GH WiE consists of over 100 female members of all classes of IET-GH, including Fellows, Professional Engineers, Engineering Technologists, Affiliates, and Graduate and Student Members
IET-Ghana is deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment where women in engineering can thrive. We aim to build a more diverse, innovative, and prosperous engineering community, empowering women to contribute significantly to the advancement of society and the nation.
Join us in shaping a brighter future for the engineering profession and the world.
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