Ho Technical University (HTU), The University of Nottingham (UoN), and the Association of African Universities (AAU) announce the commencement of a new project targeted at addressing the underrepresentation of female STEM lecturers in leadership positions in Ghana’s 10 technical universities.
Significant gender-based inequalities continue to persist in Sub-Saharan Africa, thwarting the aspirations of female academics seeking leadership positions and hindering their career progression. Women in academia still face substantial barriers to career progression, including slower promotion rates, under-representation in senior roles, and constraints in publishing and disseminating their research, which can impact their visibility and career advancement. The challenges are particularly pronounced in technical universities, where women in STEM fields encounter unique barriers.
To address these disparities, the ‘Addressing Female STEM Lecturers’ Underrepresentation in Leadership’ project targets bridging the existing knowledge gap and providing targeted support to female academics with background in STEM fields in Ghana’s technical universities. This project is funded by the British Council and aligns with global efforts to promote gender equity in academia.
The specific aim of the project is to explore the experiences of female STEM lecturers in Ghanaian technical universities in attaining leadership positions and to identify the macro and micro level processes that perpetuate the inequities they face in academia. Additionally, the project will examine the impact of capacity-building strategies, including writing workshops and mentorship, in addressing gender-based obstacles. It aims to also put forward recommendations to redress the disparities and achieve gender equity in technical universities in Ghana.
Running through January 2025 – February 2026, the project targets achieving these goals through undertaking research-driven interventions to deepen understanding of the underlying issues impeding women’s progression to leadership, inform evidence-based policy, foster supportive mentorship, and deliver a targeted capacity-building workshop and a mentorship programme.
Upon completion, this project is poised to achieve far-reaching outcomes, notably enhancing research output and visibility of female academics, and significantly boosting leadership capacities among female STEM lecturers in Ghana’s Technical Universities. This transformation will be marked by increased representation in leadership positions, amplified voices in policy formulation, and greater recognition within their institutions. The project will also generate actionable research insights, informing evidence-based policies and institutional practices that promote gender equality, ultimately paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable academic environment in Ghana’s Technical Universities.
Prof. Ben Q. Honyenuga, the Vice-Chancellor of Ho Technical University said that “this British Council funded initiative addresses a core challenge in academia in Ghana and across Sub-Saharan Africa. At Ho Technical University (HTU), we have remained committed to excellence and inclusivity in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Through this initiative, HTU in collaboration with the implementing partners is hopeful that systemic barriers affecting female STEM lecturers would be addressed. HTU remains resolute in its commitment to implementing the project’s recommendations, integrating them into policies, and ensuring that they lead to sustainable change in the academic landscape of Ghana’s technical universities”.
“This project exemplifies the University of Nottingham’s commitment to global engagement and partnership. By collaborating with Ho Technical University in Ghana and the Association of African Universities, with the support of the British Council, we are fostering meaningful knowledge exchange and contributing to the advancement of gender equity in Ghanian Technical Universities. We are confident that the project will have a significant impact on the lives of female STEM lecturers, helping them overcome obstacles and advance in their careers,” said Professor Volker Wedekind, Head of School (Professor in Education), Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Nottingham (UoN)”.
Prof. Olusola Oyewole, Secretary General of the Association of African Universities commented “At the AAU, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive academic environment by advancing gender equity through research, capacity building, and collaborative initiatives. This project represents a pivotal step in addressing the structural barriers that hinder female STEM lecturers from attaining leadership positions. Through our extensive network of higher education institutions across Africa, we will leverage this initiative to not only support women’s professional growth but also to advocate for evidence-based policies that promote gender inclusivity. By partnering with Ho Technical University and the University of Nottingham, and with the support of the British Council, we are reinforcing our commitment to empowering female academics and ensuring their voices shape the future of technical education in Ghana and beyond.”
This project is a critical step towards breaking systemic barriers and fostering a more inclusive academic environment.
Meanwhile, under the Gender Equality Partnerships Project, the Ho Technical University, the University of Nottingham, and the Association of African Universities invite female STEM lecturers at Ghanaian Technical Universities to participate in a two-day Writing Workshop to be held in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th May 2025, followed by a 10-month Mentorship Programme designed to directly address participants’ challenges in securing leadership positions due to limited research output.
Interested applicants should kindly follow the attached link to apply http://-https://blog.aau.org/apply-as-a-sponsored-participant-writing-workshop-and-mentorship-programme/
