Hon Jean-Marie Formadi
Biakoye

Mr Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to make this Statement on the celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Mr Speaker, this day was established to highlight the invaluable contributions of women and girls in science, while addressing the persistent structural inequalities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). It also serves as a call to promote policies, partnerships and resource mobilisation that advance equal participation and leadership for women in scientific careers.

Mr Speaker, the theme for this year “Synergizing Al, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls” speaks directly to the realities of our time and the future we seek to build. In an age defined by rapid technological advancement and complex global challenges, sustainable development can no longer be pursued in silos. It must be integrated, inclusive and forwardlooking.

Mr Speaker, education remains the foundation upon which empowerment is built. It shapes opportunity and determines the trajectory of nations. Sustainable Development Goal 4.3 calls on us to ensure equal access for women and men to affordable and quality education by 2030. Equally important is the creation of learning environments that are safe, inclusive, genderresponsive and accessible to all.

Mr Speaker, Ghana is not without inspiring examples. Within this Hon House, women such as Dr Grace AyensuDanquah, Member of Parliament for Essikadu-Ketan, and Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle, continue to demonstrate excellence and leadership in science and public service. In academia, distinguished women including Prof (Mrs) Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Professor of Pharmacy, Prof Effa Kaufman and Arlien Bou-Chedid, President of the Federation of African Engineering Organisations, have demonstrated that women can break stereotypes and redefine leadership in science and engineering.

Mr Speaker, the growing presence and success of girls’ schools in the National Science and Maths Quiz (NMSQ) marks a significant shift from the status quo and represents meaningful progress for our nation. I am inspired by Francisca Lamini of Keta Senior High School, a 2021 NSMQ finalist and the first female contestant to reach the finals in eight years, now pursuing her studies at Harvard Medical School. Her journey is a testament to what Ghanaian girls can achieve when opportunity meets determination.

Mr Speaker, this progress must now be matched with deliberate policy action. I therefore call on Government, through the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and relevant agencies, to institutionalise targeted STEM scholarships for girls, particularly those from underserved and rural communities.

I further urge the House to support increased budgetary allocations for STEM laboratories in girls’ schools, the expansion of mentorship and internship programmes linking female students to industry and research institutions, and the promotion of gender-responsive STEM curricula that integrate emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science and innovation finance.

Mr Speaker, I also call for the collection and use of genderdisaggregated data to guide policy decisions and measure progress in women’s participation in science, technology and innovation. In addition, Public-Private Partnerships must be strengthened to ensure that women and girls are not only trained in STEM fields but are supported to transition into leadership, entrepreneurship and highimpact research roles.

Mr Speaker, this brings us to a clear realisation: the empowerment of women and girls in science is not optional; it is essential to national development. Women and girls must not only participate in scientific progress but must be groomed to become leaders and innovators shaping Ghana’s future. A nation that invests in its women invests in progress, and Ghana must continue to lead by example.

To every young girl listening today, remember that your gender is not a limitation but a strength. Dream boldly, pursue excellence in STEM, and know that your aspirations are valid. To my young ladies in Biakoye, I assure you of my continued dedication to empowering you through education and creating opportunities for you to thrive in STEM. Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.