Factors Influencing Women's Participation in Stem Programmes in Ghana

Jemima Saah, Gloria Armah, Samuel Kwesi Asiedu Addo, John Takyi-Bondzie

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that influence women?s participation in STEM programmes in Ghana. A quantitative research approach with a descriptive survey as its design was employed. Respondents were 409 female students reading any of the STEM programmes from 3 public universities in Ghana. The instrument used in collecting data was a questionnaire. Data collected were coded and analysed using descriptive statistics from the SPSS. The study revealed that family and parental influence on STEM majors, societal influence and stereotypes, motivation, and mentorship are key factors serving as a major influence on female participation in STEM programmes. The study recommended among others that parents, guardians, chiefs, and opinion leaders in societies should get involved in encouraging girls and women into STEM education.

Keywords: STEM, Participation, Motivation and Mentorship, Stereotypes, Influence