FeMS Bootcamp '24 Overview

FeMS Bootcamp ‘24 Recap

SkillsHub by YOTA, Accra, Ghana

The annual FeMS boot camp, hosted by Empowering Female Minds in STEM (EFeMS), brought together African women from Ghana and the UK for a transformative three-day event aimed at closing the gender gap in STEM fields.

The initiative focused on networking, skill-building, and empowerment in traditionally male-dominated disciplines.

The boot camp commenced with a motivational welcome from Dr. Anna Olanrewaju, the founder of EFeMS, who shared her personal journey of overcoming challenges as a minority in STEM. Her message emphasized the importance of mentorship and representation.

Keynote speaker Dr. Emmanuella Amoako, a Paediatric Oncologist, encouraged participants to pursue their career aspirations while remaining grounded in humanity. Workshops on networking and confidence-building, led by various experts, provided practical skills and fostered collaboration.

Participants attended workshops on career planning, led by Prof. Lydia Mosi, who inspired them to design their careers around passion and multi-talented pursuits. Sessions on applying to graduate schools and a research symposium focused on "STEM for Global Challenges," highlighted innovative solutions for sustainable practices in STEM.

The final day featured a career panel with successful women in STEM who shared their experiences and encouraged attendees to embrace their unique journeys. Positive feedback from participants highlighted the boot camp’s impact on their confidence and networking abilities.

Dr. Olanrewaju concluded the event with a call to action, urging participants to harness the power of their community and support each other in their STEM endeavors. The boot camp not only equipped attendees with skills but also ignited their determination to succeed and break barriers in the STEM fields.