Ghana’s second female Nuclear Engineer Afia Boatemaa has called for an affirmative action among female scientist in Ghana.
The 27 year old scientist who graduated with a Master’s Degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Ghana, Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (GSNAS) in 2016 is confident that, women in science can climb the ladder of success if they remain focus.
She expressed worry at the fact that, several avoidable factors have led to the fall out of most aspiring female scientists in various academic institutions across the country.
Afia Boatemaa, who is currently working with the Keshe Foundation, first pursued her undergraduate course, in Chemical Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in the year 2013
“Female Scientists must stand their grounds and rise to defend their vision” She said. According to her, her quest to encourage other female scientists in Ghana to fight for their right came from several literatures she read concerning gender against female in science.
Afia is of the view that, the tradition that requires women to remain in the kitchen must no longer be heeded to.
Brushing off the challenges, Afia Boatemaa stressed on the need to think about solutions to curb the situation rather than trumpeting on the already known problems.
She disclosed that, even though she is yet to encounter any of such situations, she is mentally psyched to face whatever obstacle that is ahead of her.
“We are not in any competition with men; we only need an accommodating, transparent and a tolerable atmosphere to realize our dreams as female scientists. Ghana has only three female Nuclear Engineers now and we need more.” she cries out.
She advised women not to give inn to any form of humiliation; deceit and frustrations that are meant to kill their dreams but should rather stay focused. She hinted that, those who are financially constrained can apply for international scholarship programmes to finance their education.
She finally made an appeal to the Government to set up a fund to support financially challenged females who desire to become scientists.
