Accra: A recent study by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (CSIR-STEPRI) has highlighted significant obstacles that hinder women's participation in Science, Innovation, and Technology (STI) at research institutions.
According to Ghana News Agency, the research was conducted across two STI-based public research institutions, one public regulatory institution, and a private firm. The findings were presented at a policy dialogue in Accra focused on women's involvement in STI research, capacity-building, and mentorship. The study underscored critical barriers that staff in scientific research institutions face, affecting career progression and emphasizing the enablers that support staff retention and job satisfaction.
The Council pointed out that unequal access to well-equipped laboratories and research tools restricted women's ability to produce high-impact scientific work. While both women and men face limited access to essential equipment and facilities, perceptions of current job roles-particularly limited leadership opportunities, lack of recognition, and exclusion from significant projects-further impede women's engagement in STI.
The study also found that challenging working conditions, such as heavy workloads, inadequate remuneration, and insufficient family-supportive policies, constrain women's continued participation in STI careers within research and regulatory institutions. The role of women as primary caregivers poses additional challenges, especially when advanced studies require extended absence from home.
The research noted that inadequate maternity provisions, limited childcare support, and the lack of effective mechanisms for addressing harassment issues continue to undermine inclusivity in research environments. Additional barriers include restricted access to advanced training, concerns over occupational safety and hazards, and insufficient adherence to core labor standards.
Dr. Wilhelmina Quaye, Director of CSIR-STEPRI, emphasized the global challenge of under-representation of women in Science, Technology, and Innovation, despite advancements in STEM education and advocacy. Statistics indicate that only about 30% of researchers in Africa are women, despite their contributions to nation-building and the critical role of STI in socio-economic development.
Dr. Quaye advocated for comprehensive capacity-training programs to enhance professional staff and the establishment of mentoring programs and succession plans within STI-related organizations to increase women's participation. She called on policymakers to expand scholarships, grants, and financial support for students, especially women and persons with disabilities pursuing STEM fields, with an emphasis on advanced research degrees. Additionally, she recommended improvements in remuneration, working conditions, and recognition for STI professionals to attract and retain female talent in Ghana's STI sectors.
