Karen Halm, an architect and COO of Spektra Global, a Ghanaian design-build firm, has hosted 11 brilliant female Science students from selected Junior and Senior High Schools in the Tema Municipality in a professional development mentorship programme.

The initiative is in three parts: Personal/Professional Grooming Session; Conversation on Career Guidance and a Field Trip to a Construction site.

It formed part of activities to mark the “International Day for Women and Girls in Science”, which was globally, it observed under the theme: “Investment in Women & Girls in Science for Inclusive Green Growth”.

Mrs. Karen Halm’s said the gesture was part of her Personal Social Responsibility to contribute to the Science Education and Career Development of Girls.

She expressed optimism saying, “This platform will help provide professional socialisation and personal support to facilitate their academic and career success”.

She urged the female students to be focused and look up to other women in Science for motivation.

“As young girls in science, you must take bold steps and make decisions that will positively affect your life. Your studies must be your optimum drive and you need to always be time conscious,” she advised.

Mrs. Halm stated that young women interested in Science needed a lot of support because they found themselves in a field largely dominated by males, therefore, they may feel odd at certain points in their studies and careers.

During a tour of a construction site of a 2000-seater church auditorium, Mrs Halm explained that Architecture, by its nature, served individuals, communities and cultures and should not be practised at the expense of the environment and the livelihood of the community.

“As young adults, if you are thinking of a career in Architecture, remember to consistently be environmentally – friendly,” she said.

“Architects should always have the physical and mental health of individuals and communities at heart in the implementation of their work.

The students, at the end of the event, expressed their gratitude for the Initiative, saying the priceless insights revealed the importance of Science in improving life.

“I have learnt a lot today, I never perceived Architecture to be

Scientific and Mathematically inclined, as explained by the Architect Karen Halm,” a student stated.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science marked annually on February 11, was initiated by United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and UN-Women, in collaboration

with institutions and civil society partners, to promote the access of women and girls’ access to and participation in Science.

Source: GNA