20–28 Mar 2025
Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Convention Resort
Africa/Johannesburg timezone

SheSat Ghana - Unlocking the Potential of Ghanaian women in Space Science

24 Mar 2025, 13:45
15m
Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Convention Resort

Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Convention Resort

64 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1620
Talk Addressing Inequality in Astronomy Education, Development, and Outreach (EDO)

Speaker

Jemima Kwakuyi (Xavier Space Solutions)

Description

In Ghana, only 25% of STEM positions are held by women, a figure that dwindles as positions rise in leadership, revealing a stark gender disparity. At the same time, quality STEM education remains inaccessible to most Ghanaians, leaving young people without the skills needed to secure jobs right out of school. The public education system, though rich in potential, often lacks the resources to prepare youth with the competitive, practical skills today’s job market demands. This lack drives many of Ghana’s best and brightest to seek education and career opportunities abroad, leading to a troubling brain drain. They leave not out of choice but necessity, searching for opportunities to make their STEM ambitions a reality. Ghana also faces pressing issues in environmental conservation, resource management, and climate change, where satellite technology could play a vital role. However, limited local expertise in these areas leaves gaps in addressing these national challenges. And in an economy eager for innovation, Ghana’s growth depends on initiatives that foster homegrown talent capable of leading the way.
SheSat Ghana was born to answer these challenges. This one-year training and mentorship program empowers young Ghanaian women to pursue careers in satellite technology, electronics, space systems, and data analysis, giving them access to the hands-on training and professional guidance they deserve. By working with Nyarkoa, a CanSat model developed in partnership with Xavier Space Solutions and Erictronics, participants will gain hands-on experience in real-world satellite applications. SheSat Ghana goes beyond traditional programs by giving young women the tools to work on real, impactful projects, such as building CanSats—miniature satellites designed to tackle environmental issues specific to Ghana’s landscape. Through SheSat Ghana, students aren’t just learning; they’re gaining skills they can take to market, along with personal development training in networking, CV building, and leadership, making them ready for the competitive job world. Mentorship from women in STEM serves as a continuous guide, providing career advice and building a network of local female STEM leaders. SheSat Ghana strives to nurture a generation of women who will be at the forefront of innovation, lead environmental initiatives, and contribute to economic development through technological advancements right here in Ghana.

Stream Education Development and Outreach

Primary author

Jemima Kwakuyi (Xavier Space Solutions)

Co-author

Mr Solomon Appekey (Xavier Space Solutions)

Presentation materials

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