On February 11, 2025, AIMS Ghana joined the global celebration of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) with an event that brought together female students, tutors, researchers, and staff. Themed Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science, the gathering aimed to highlight the diverse experiences of women in STEM while fostering meaningful discussions on representation and impact.

The event, held at the Emmy Noether Seminar Room, was a vibrant space for knowledge exchange and empowerment. A defining aspect of this year’s celebration was the sharing of personal journeys by women within the AIMS Ghana community. After a keynote address by Dr. Rhoda Hawkins, Academic Director, the female students expressed their aspirations and challenges, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and support systems in STEM education. Researchers and tutors offered insights into their professional paths, underscoring the significance of perseverance and interdisciplinary collaboration. Staff members also shared how their roles contribute to creating an environment that nurtures future female scientists.

These diverse perspectives showcased the multifaceted nature of women’s experiences in science and mathematics, reinforcing the need for inclusive policies that encourage more young girls to pursue STEM careers. There were also contributions from the External Relations Manager, Rhoda N. Safowa, the Program Manager, Ms. Beauty Beatrice Kwawu and the communications team on the essence of projecting whatever work or impact you are making as a woman in STEM to ensure that females can have a louder voice in the field.

A key moment of the event was the review of a TED Talk by Yamilee Toussaint, an innovator and educator dedicated to making STEM education more inclusive and engaging for young girls, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. She is the founder of STEM From Dance, an organization that merges dance with technology to inspire confidence and curiosity in STEM fields. Through her unique approach, she integrates movement with coding and artificial intelligence, helping students visualize and interact with technical concepts in a dynamic way. Her work has gained recognition for its ability to break down barriers in STEM education, empowering girls to see themselves as future engineers, scientists, and tech leaders.

Following the documentary screening, there was an interactive discussion session where thought-provoking questions were raised to encourage attendees to reflect on their own journeys, the systemic challenges women face in STEM, and potential strategies for greater inclusion. The session was enriched by male allies in the audience, emphasizing the collective effort needed to bridge gender gaps in science.

As the AIMS Ghana community continues to champion female representation in STEM, the IDWGS 2025 celebration served as a powerful reminder that her voice in science is essential in shaping a more inclusive and innovative world.