Nineteen technical and tertiary institutions from across Ghana have joined efforts to promote greater participation of women in engineering, technology and other technical fields.

The initiative was highlighted at the fifth edition of the Women in Engineering (WinE) Conference held at Ho Technical University (HTU), which brought together female students, engineering professionals and other stakeholders to discuss opportunities and challenges confronting women in the sector.

The two-day conference was held under the theme, “Engineering a Sustainable Future: Women Leading the Way.”

It provided a platform for participants to engage in professional discussions, mentorship sessions, networking activities and an innovation competition aimed at promoting teamwork, knowledge-sharing, innovation and leadership among women pursuing engineering careers.

The conference forms part of broader efforts to encourage more women to enter and build careers in engineering while creating opportunities for professional development and leadership.

Participants also discussed some of the challenges that continue to limit women's participation and advancement in engineering and explored ways to strengthen mentorship, skills development and professional networks.

Bolgatanga Technical University wins innovation competition

As part of the conference activities, Bolgatanga Technical University emerged as the winner of an innovation competition involving the 19 participating institutions.

The University for Development Studies (UDS) placed second, while the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, finished third.

Bolgatanga Technical University received a certificate, a trophy and GH¢20,000 for emerging winners. UDS received GH¢15,000 for placing second, while UMaT received GH¢10,000 for finishing third.

The winning team from Bolgatanga Technical University is expected to present and showcase its innovation at the Ghana Institution of Engineering (GhIE) Conference in 2027, where it will have the opportunity to engage with industry players from various fields.

The Chair of WinE, Ing. Jane Naki Tetteh-Anowie, expressed optimism that more institutions would participate in the competition in subsequent editions.

She said increased participation would provide more opportunities for women to develop their technical skills, build professional networks and prepare for leadership roles in the engineering sector.

The Team Lead of the winning Bolgatanga Technical University team, Kissiweofo Caroline Awinmasim, said the team prepared thoroughly for the competition and was determined to demonstrate the capabilities of women in engineering.

The organisers said the WinE initiative would continue to provide opportunities for women to connect with professionals, gain exposure to industry and develop the skills required to contribute meaningfully to the engineering sector.

Planning and fundraising for the sixth edition of the WinE Conference have already begun.