GNPC and PELA Empower the Next Generation on International Day of Women and Girls in Science
On February 11, 2025, the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), in partnership with the Petroleum Ladies Association (PELA) and Education & Aspirations, a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring young girls in STEM and TVET Education, commemorated the 2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGIS) through an educational initiative aimed at equipping young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Thirteen schoolgirls, accompanied by their educators and mentors from Junior High Schools in the Denkyembour District in the Eastern Region, participated in the event. The primary objective was to familiarize the students with GNPC's technical operations while igniting their interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The program kickstarted with a Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) briefing, underscoring the paramount importance of safety in STEM professions. Subsequently, team-building activities were organized, where participants engaged in collaborative exercises under the guidance of GNPC personnel to enhance problem-solving skills and leadership qualities.
An enlightening session by the Geochemistry Department captivated the students by illustrating the formation of oil and gas, stimulating their curiosity. The girls were then led on a tour of GNPC's engineering departments, providing them with a firsthand glimpse into oil drilling processes and exploration methodologies. The display of oil samples extracted over the years bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
A pivotal segment of the event featured interactive discussions with GNPC's female scientists and engineers, who shared personal anecdotes, hurdles faced, and career trajectories. They offered invaluable guidance on navigating male-dominated sectors and shattering barriers in STEM fields.
The event resonated with a powerful message: "There is nothing impossible. Know yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, and believe in your potential." The dialogues aimed to instill in the girls the confidence to challenge societal norms, especially traditional gender roles, and to pursue their aspirations with unwavering determination.
GNPC CEO Edward Bawa emphasized the day's significance and reiterated the Corporation's dedication to STEM education for girls. He remarked, "STEM education for young girls is not merely about parity—it is about safeguarding Ghana's future. At GNPC, we witness firsthand how our women drive innovation in energy exploration, resource management, and sustainability through science, engineering, and technology. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let us introduce more girls to inspiring scientific role models, dismantle stereotypes, and foster inclusivity to cultivate a future where every girl dares to envision a prominent role in the next generation of geologists, engineers, and industry trailblazers who will propel Ghana's progress."
The event culminated with a clarion call for the students to embrace STEM disciplines, nurture their curiosity, and seek mentorship. It served as a poignant reminder of GNPC's unwavering advocacy for STEM and Engineering education for girls to narrow the gender gap and ensure increased female representation in Ghana's energy sector and beyond.