In partnership with the Next Einstein Forum (NEF) and GirledUp Ghana, with support from the Hewlett Foundation, AIMS Ghana hosted the Women and Girls in SDGs Forum, to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2024. The event, held at the Centre’s campus, embraced the United Nations’ theme for the year, “Girls’ Vision for the Future”, and focused on empowering young women in alignment with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically, SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The celebration brought together 55 young girls from various groups, including GirledUp Ghana founded by Dr. Justina Onumah, Developers in Vogue, and fellows from the AIMS Girls in Mathematical Sciences Program (GMSP). The participants engaged in sessions led by experienced mentors and female leaders, focusing on leadership development, decision-making, and networking as well as interactive SDG action stations.

In a welcome address, Mr. John Appiah, Senior Communications Manager for the AIMS Network, emphasized AIMS Ghana’s commitment to promoting STEM development for girls through various initiatives and outreach activities. He underscored that the Women and Girls in SDGs Forum was one such initiative, designed to empower young women and advance their roles in achieving sustainable development goals.

A highlight of the day was the keynote address delivered by Her Excellency Simone Giger, the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, who encouraged Ghanaian women to take a proactive stance in championing gender equality. She emphasized that when women take deliberate action to bridge gender gaps, they not only inspire but also empower the next generation of girls to envision a future where they can thrive and lead in any field. H.E. Giger underscored that female representation in leadership, entrepreneurship, and STEM is crucial to shaping the “Girls’ Vision for the Future.”

The event also featured a leadership talk and workshop led by Mrs. Beauty Beatrice Kwawu, Program Manager at AIMS Ghana, and Ms. Davis Effah Kaufmann, Lead for Ghana. These interactive sessions provided the girls with opportunities to reflect on their leadership qualities, develop personal brands, and craft their visions for the future.

Additionally, Dr. Angela Tabiri, Research Associate and Academic Manager at AIMS Ghana, shared her journey of becoming the “World’s Most Interesting Mathematician,” inspiring the girls to aim for greatness in their pursuits.

The Women and Girls in SDGs Forum, formed part of the NEF SDGs Week celebrations led by Mr. Kelvin Ashie, who expressed gratitude to all partnering institutions, including IoT Network Hub, STEMaide and the Global Shapers Accra Hub, for their invaluable support, volunteering during the Women and Girls in SDGs Forum. He emphasized that the event served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and action, empowering the next generation of female leaders to shape their futures and drive impactful change within their communities.