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On March 8, 2025, the world celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) under the theme Accelerate Action for Women. The global observance served as a reminder to push forward gender equality initiatives and dismantle systemic barriers facing women.
The Node Women community joined the global movement in partnership with LoveAid Foundation, Eclectic Love, SheMedia, Young Urban Women’s Movement (YUWM), and the Ho Technical University (HTU) Computer Science Department to organize mentorship, discussions, and hands-on skill-building sessions. This event aimed to equip women with the skills, networks, and confidence to thrive in STEM fields.
Opening the event, Perfect Amegboe, Community Lead for Node Women, welcomed participants and underscored the importance of collective efforts in bridging the gender gap.
“ We must work together to create an inclusive environment where women can thrive in STEM fields,” she stated, emphasizing the need for mentorship and equal opportunities. Her remarks set the stage for the keynote address.
Keynote Speech: Taking Charge of Your Life as a Woman in STEM
Delivering the keynote speech, Princess Lovia Tetteh, Founder of LoveAid Foundation, urged women to take control of their professional growth and actively seek opportunities for skills development.
“Don’t just sit and wait for someone to empower you—take action towards your ambition,” she emphasized, encouraging participants to be intentional about their growth and success.
She highlighted self-reflection, perseverance, and continuous learning as key drivers of success for women in STEM.
Her speech set the tone for the gallery walk which showcased inspiring stories and achievements of successful women in STEM. From trailblazing inventors to pioneering engineers, their resilience underscore one truth: Representation is not just important; it is necessary.
Breaking Barriers: Addressing Underrepresentation in STEM
In the session on women’s underrepresentation in STEM, Joanna Kwame shed light on the systemic discrimination women face due to a lack of representation.
“The future is STEM, and we need more women to be part of this transformation,” she stated, underscoring the importance of increasing female participation in STEM fields.
She outlined key challenges, including underrepresentation, stereotypes, workplace harassment, and the motherhood penalty, which continue to hinder women’s progress in STEM careers.
To address these issues, she emphasized the need for education to combat gender biases, inclusive workplace policies, and the development of stronger communication skills to navigate male-dominated spaces.
“Bringing more women into STEM isn’t about competing with men—it’s about ensuring diverse perspectives drive innovation,” she explained, reinforcing the idea that gender diversity leads to better problem-solving and technological advancements.
Equipping Women with Practical Skills
The event also provided hands-on breakout sessions, giving women practical insights to excel in both informal and formal STEM sectors.
Women in the Informal Sector: Digital Literacy and Business Growth
For women in business, the workshops focused on digital skills and content creation:
- Chris Dah led a session on videography, guiding participants on capturing high-quality videos with the right angles and techniques to enhance content engagement.
- SheMedia conducted a hands-on photography workshop, demonstrating how to take professional-looking pictures using smartphones to boost business visibility.
- Antonio Yayra introduced writing techniques and AI-powered tools, helping women craft compelling captions and brand stories to enhance their digital presence.
Women in Formal Sector: Remote Work and Career Growth in the Job Market
In the formal sector, Mr. Theodore, a software engineer and tutor at GCOM, provided insights into navigating remote work and staying competitive in the job market. The women explored strategies for using online job platforms and positioning themselves for remote work opportunities.
The discussion emphasized the importance of continuous upskilling, adapting to industry changes, and learning from mistakes to remain relevant in the evolving STEM landscape.
The practical workshops reinforced the event’s goal of accelerating action for women by equipping them with skills to excel in their respective fields.
Moving Forward with Action
The International Women’s Day celebration reinforced the need for women to be intentional about their career growth, take proactive steps toward skill development, and embrace technology to stay competitive. Node Women aims to sustain this momentum, championing initiatives that accelerate gender equality in STEM in Ho and beyond.
About Node Eight
Node Eight is an innovation hub based in Ho, Ghana, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship, fostering digital skills, and driving community impact. We provide resources, training, and a collaborative environment for young entrepreneurs and innovators to thrive.
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