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“In every great achievement, there is a woman leading.” This bold redefinition of a classic saying perfectly captures the mission of Molex Foundation Africa, a growing force in reshaping the future of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for African girls. Through their flagship initiative, SHEROES in STEM, the Foundation is not just teaching girls to code or build robots—they're teaching them to lead. 🔍 The Why: A Strategic Investment in Innovation and Inclusion As the philanthropic arm of Molex, a global leader in electronics and connectivity solutions, the MOLEX Foundation sees STEM education as more than just academics—it's a strategic investment in the future. By supporting STEM, the Foundation addresses multiple critical needs: Workforce Development: Creating a steady pipeline of skilled talent for tech industries. Innovation: Encouraging critical thinking and creativity to solve real-world problems. Global Competitiveness: Developing local talent for a rapidly evolving global economy. Equity and Access: Promoting gender diversity and inclusion in a traditionally male-dominated field. And perhaps most importantly, the Foundation is giving a voice and platform to young African girls, who have historically been left out of the conversation. 🚀 The SHEROES in STEM Initiative: A Movement, Not Just a Program At the heart of the Foundation’s work is the SHEROES in STEM initiative, which aims to break down social, economic, and cultural barriers that have long discouraged girls from pursuing careers in STEM. In Cohort 2 of the initiative, held at the University of Cape Coast, 60 girls were selected for an intensive bootcamp. They were trained in robotics, smart technologies, and innovation design—developing projects such as a smart house, air quality sensors, and even robots that can transform into cars. These are not just science experiments—they are the seeds of future careers, start-ups, and inventions. “Education may be the bedrock of empowerment, but too many brilliant minds are still being denied access,” noted Ivy Beauty Amartey, Executive President of Molex Foundation Africa. 💡 Sustainability Beyond the Bootcamp The SHEROES in STEM initiative doesn’t stop after two weeks of training. Molex Foundation Africa is committed to long-term mentorship and support, working with: Guidance counselors Parents and caregivers The Foundation is also setting up STEM clubs in schools and providing specialised teacher training, ensuring that girls continue to grow in confidence and capability long after the camp ends. And they’re scaling up. Next year, the Foundation plans to expand the bootcamp to 200 girls from Northern Ghana, an area often overlooked and under-resourced. “If we want to stop the cycle of poverty and migration, we must begin by empowering these girls with skills,” said Dr. Patrick Essien, CEO of Molex Foundation Africa. 📣 Community and Corporate Support Growing The impact of the initiative is catching the attention of leaders in government, education, and the private sector. From Members of Parliament like Daniel Dung Mahama to private sponsors like Guido Coleman, CEO of Berlyn Group, there is a growing call to action: “We’re in a new world order. If Africa is to compete, we must prioritise STEM,” Coleman stated. Rebecca Ashare, HR Director at Ghana’s Ministry of Communication, also commended the initiative, saying: “When girls are given an opportunity, they don’t just succeed—they excel, lead, and inspire.” 🌍 From Ghana to the World The real success stories are the girls themselves. One SHEROES graduate, now a student at Wesley Girls’ High School, went on to participate in an international robotics competition in Bolivia. Another, from Asuansi Technical, designed a robot that transforms into a car. These aren’t just anecdotes—they're proof of concept. 🎯 Conclusion: Redefining the STEM Narrative The Molex Foundation Africa isn’t just investing in education; it’s investing in equity, leadership, and transformation. By supporting girls in STEM, they are helping to redefine what leadership looks like, where innovation comes from, and who gets to shape the future. In a world where access often determines destiny, initiatives like SHEROES in STEM are ensuring that talent—not gender, geography, or income—determines opportunity. “I am a SHERO. I am a leader. I belong in STEM.” That’s not just a motto. It’s the beginning of a movement.
