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Buzzing Towards a Sustainable Future: Lessons from World Bee Day 2025

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  On May 20th, 2025, the Volta and Oti Regions came alive with the buzz of hope and purpose as changemakers gathered to celebrate World Bee Day, under the global theme “Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All.” The event was more than a celebration—it was a rallying call for ecological restoration, youth empowerment, food sovereignty, and climate justice. Organized by the STEMinist Foundation Ghana, in collaboration with VORAB Project International, the Volta Apiculture Research Centre (VARC), and the WETO Platform, the regional celebration brought together traditional leaders, policymakers, educators, students, and beekeepers, all united in protecting pollinators and promoting sustainable, nature-based livelihoods. 🔬 Buzzing with Innovation: Where STEM Meets Beekeeping For the STEMinist Foundation in Ghana, World Bee Day 2025 was a celebration of bees and an opportunity to emphasize the critical connection between STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), environmental stewardship, and gender equity. Through beekeeping, girls and young women can develop STEM skills while contributing to food systems, biodiversity conservation, and economic development. Beekeeping offers a practical and engaging way to apply STEM in real-life situations, from designing hives and managing apiaries in a climate-smart manner to utilizing data science for tracking bee health and productivity. Modern apiculture uses advanced STEM principles to address challenges like colony health, climate change, and biodiversity conservation, creating a hands-on learning environment that engages underrepresented groups in STEM. The integration of STEM with beekeeping is transforming this ancient practice into a data-driven and environmentally sustainable field. ⚖️ Beekeeping as a Pathway for a Just Transition Bees are not just honey-makers. They are critical pollinators that sustain forests, farms, and entire ecosystems. But their populations are declining rapidly, threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use, pollution, and climate change. World Bee Day 2025 served as a vital reminder of the urgent need to protect these multifaceted contributors to humanity. Their role in crop pollination is crucial, as bees are responsible for pollinating approximately 75% of the world’s flowering plants and about one-third of the food we consume. Beyond agriculture, bees contribute to forest regeneration by facilitating the growth of diverse plant species, which in turn support entire ecosystems. The products derived from bees, such as honey, propolis, wax, and royal jelly, are valuable in culinary applications and have significant medicinal properties and industrial uses. At the STEMinist Foundation, we recognize that beekeeping is more than just a source of livelihood; it represents a transformative climate solution that integrates environmental sustainability with educational opportunities in STEM. By engaging with beekeeping practices, girls and young women can develop critical skills while contributing to climate action efforts, inspiring hope for a sustainable future. In the Volta and Oti Regions, where unemployment, environmental degradation, and poverty intersect, beekeeping emerges as a powerful and empowering sustainable alternative to harmful activities like charcoal production and illegal logging.   ✨ Buzzing Forward: What We Must Do Next In light of the insights from World Bee Day 2025, the STEMinist Foundation, Ghana, VORAB Project International, other partners and the VOTI Association of Beekeepers urge various stakeholders to take decisive action: District Assemblies are encouraged to champion community-based beekeeping as an effective strategy for development. By investing in this initiative, we can create local job opportunities while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This approach will not only enhance food security but also help preserve our precious biodiversity. Imagine local farmers acquiring valuable skills through training in sustainable beekeeping, leading to healthier crops thanks to improved pollination! Policymakers and educators play a crucial role in promoting and supporting these initiatives. Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service has an opportunity to create Beekeepers Clubs to educate our young ones about the vital roles bees and other pollinators play to cultivate a generation that values biodiversity and environmental stewardship. This integration can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of ecosystems and the importance of biodiversity, inspiring future generations to take action for sustainability. Additionally, donors and policymakers must establish funding for STEM-focused beekeeping innovation hubs that specifically empower women and youth. These creative spaces can serve as incubators for groundbreaking, sustainable beekeeping ideas and provide essential business development training. The support of donors and policymakers is crucial in ensuring the success and sustainability of these innovation hubs. We encourage young people to explore beekeeping as a rewarding green career path. This engaging venture addresses climate change and connects youth with experienced mentors, inspiring them to embrace sustainable innovations in their future careers. Together, we can shape a thriving future through the wonders of beekeeping. References From on farm to own farm: The role of farm workers’ unions in land reform in South Africa – FAO BeeAsset Solutions • Certified Electronic Recycling & Data Destruction Crop Diversification Challenges & Tech Solutions Ecosystem Guardians: NGOs Protecting Vulnerable Environments The Future of Technology: Innovations Shaping Our World | ProValet Beekeeping for Sustainable Livelihoods – FAO Climate-Smart Agriculture: Beekeeping – FAO Why Bees Matter – FAO Youth Engagement in Environmental Action – UNEP The Economics of Beekeeping – USDA ERS

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Powering Justice: STEMinist Foundation Pushes for Electricity Access to Akosombo Islands

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More than half a century after the construction of the Akosombo Dam, a symbol of Ghana’s energy independence—the islands it created remain in the dark. The irony is stark: communities displaced to make way for the dam have lived for decades without access to the very electricity it generates. The Akosombo islands, formed in the 1960s due to the flooding caused by the dam’s construction, have been sidelined in Ghana’s energy development narrative. Despite their proximity to one of West Africa’s major hydroelectric power sources, these communities continue to experience energy poverty. The result? Daily economic hardship, under-resourced health systems, and declining educational outcomes. Now, the STEMinist Foundation, in collaboration with Funding for Social Change Ltd, is demanding action. Their latest campaign calls on the government and stakeholders to urgently extend the national electricity grid to the Akosombo islands. This push is not just about plugging homes into power, it’s a call for energy justice. The campaign aligns with Ghana’s commitment to achieving universal energy access by 2030, a goal that remains out of reach for thousands of island residents unless bold steps are taken. At the heart of this advocacy are the women—fishmongers, mothers, and caregivers—who face the most brutal consequences of energy exclusion. Without electricity: Fish spoil before they reach the market, cutting into vital income. Health centers struggle to store vaccines or operate basic equipment. Children struggle to study by candlelight, limiting their chances for academic success. This is more than an infrastructure issue, it is a social justice crisis. By highlighting these challenges, the STEMinist Foundation is shifting the narrative from neglect to empowerment. Their message is clear: energy is not a privilege; it is a right. And until the Akosombo islands are connected to the grid, Ghana’s energy story remains incomplete. Join the call for energy justice. Support the campaign to power the Akosombo islands.

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Ghana’s energy transition must ensure equitable outcomes for citizens — Experts

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Ghana has several climate change initiatives focused on renewable energy, reducing deforestation, clean cooking adoption,   low-carbon power generation, and climate resilience building. The country’s efforts towards a fair energy transition are directed by three key policy documents – its updated Nationality Determined Contributions for 202-2030, commitments from Conference of Parties agreement, and the newly released National Energy Transition Framework. These administrative guides outlines Ghana’s strategies for tackling climate change through sustainable and inclusive development in the energy sector.. At the national stakeholders dialogue convened at the Alisa Hotel in Accra on Wednesday, May 29, experts emphasized that the transition must deliver equitable outcomes for all Ghanaians. “As we transition away from a fossil fuel-dependent economy to a green economy, our contribution to climate change and its effects will be minimized” said Dr. Steve Manteaw, co-chair of the Ghana Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative. “More importantly, we must ensure all regions and societies fairly benefit from this transition” he added. The dialogue, organized by Climate Strategies and STEMinist Foundation, aimed to facilitate conversations around centering workers in the transition towards a regenerative economy and enhance understanding of stakeholders’ perspectives, interest and contributions. Harnessing the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) just Transition Work Programme could also help achieve equitable outcomes, according to Nerissa Anku of Global Greengrants Fund who hosted the event. According to Dr. Manteaw, a just transition approach will be paramount given “the fact that a time will come when markets may no longer exist for oil…..if the whole world is moving away from fossil fuels” The event brought together experts from government, civil society and private sector. “The stakeholders’ input will be sent to the UNFCCC through Climate Strategies. It will be added to the UNFCCC’s just Transition Work Programme to be reviewed at COP 29 in Azerbaijan,” said Nerrisa Anku. More on Ghana’s Just Transition To achieve its NDCs over the next decade, the country has developed 19 policy actions across 10 priority areas which focus on establishing emissions reduction targets, creating green jobs, improving air quality, and benefiting youth and women. The policies incorporate 13 adaptations measures and 34 mitigation programs Their implementation from 2020 to 2030 is estimated to require total investments between $9.3 to $15.5 billion. Ghana’s National Energy Transition Framework (NETF) presents a comprehensive plan to attain net zero carbon emissions from energy use by 2060 which builds upon earlier targets set for 2070, demonstrating Ghana’s heightened climate ambition. it emphasized the need to engage international support and investors to drive sustainable development goals and job opportunities within Ghana’s economy. Coordinated efforts from government, the private sector, civil society, and global partners are said to be crucial to effectively surmounting decarbonization barriers. The country has also endorsed various agreements under the Conference of Parties (COP), including the United Arab Emirates’ Just Transition Work Programme. This initiative aims to facilitate equitable transitions to low-carbon, resilient futures that reduce inequalities within and between nations. Reported by Isaac Donkor Distinguished

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#GirlsLoveSTEM Campaign for STEM and Sustainable Development

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In Ghana, women only hold 25% of all STEM jobs and girls in Ghana are significantly less likely to pursue STEM-related subjects than boys. This is due to socio-cultural barriers that have impacted their interest in science and technology. The rationale is to encourage young ladies to aspire and reach greater heights in careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) by countering societal stereotypes regarding women in STEM careers. This Campaign targets Ladies in Junior high (12 -15 years), Senior High schools (16-18 years) and tertiary students (18 -22 years) in Ghana. Component Focus Tactics Engagement Plan Targets In STEM, Women Lead Breaking gender-related Stereotypespromoting women’s leadership and achievements in STEM fields Showcase successful women in STEM through profiles and success stories. Collaborate with women leaders in STEM for mentorship. Organize panel discussions and webinars featuring women in STEM Fact Sheets Engage girls and young women aspiring to enter STEM fields. Collaborate with schools to introduce mentorship programs. Share stories and content about women leaders in STEM M Girls aspiring to enter STEM field Age 17-22 years Parents Schools General Public STEM FESTIVALS Organizing events and short programs that celebrate and promote STEM disciplines. STEM Tool kits Create interactive STEM exhibits and workshops for hands-on learning. Invite experts and professionals to speak at these events. Boot Camps Quizzes Social media, local media, and schools. Provide resources and materials for educators to use in classrooms Girls 12 – 17 yearsTeachersGeneral Public STEM works after SCHOOL Demonstrate the relevance of STEM in career choices and opportunities Career guidance and counseling in schools. Establish and support existing STEM clubs Mentorship Program School ClubsConnect students with mentors through school-based initiatives Girls  12 – 22 yearsSchool administrators. STEM professionals and mentors STEM and Sustainable Development Showcase the importance of STEM in addressing sustainable development challenges Host online/ physical workshops and debates Showcase projects and innovations Inter Schools Competitions YouTube Facebook Live Educators Engage with environmental and sustainability organizations Girls 17-22 years Schools General Public           This campaign aims to empower and inspire young girls and women in Ghana to pursue STEM careers by addressing societal stereotypes and providing them with the necessary skills and support.

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We must empower women and girls through STEM” – STEMinist Foundation

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Stephanie Asabea Opoku, Administrative Officer for the STEMinist Foundation in Ghana, has reiterated the need to empower women and girls through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Miss Opoku explained that Ghana must embrace a strategic two-way strategy while instilling the idea in women professionals. We must encourage the girls to take up courses in STEM for them to be leaders in addressing the climate crisis as innovators, entrepreneurs and creators of initiatives and businesses with significant environmental and social effects. Opoku said this at the Ghana News Agency’s stakeholder engagement, a progressive media platform for state and non-state actors to contribute to national development. She stressed the urgent need to step up efforts to create pathways for women and girls to enter the field According to her, removing barriers to entry, retention and promotion in academia, government service, and commercial sector as well as boosting access to educational opportunities starting at a young age, are necessary to achieve equity for women and girls in STEM disciplines. The Administrator of the STEMinist Foundation, Ghana emphasized that for women in STEM, fusing knowledge with enthusiasm was crucial for both personal and professional development. She stated that,”we need to usher more women into STEM leadership positions” to encourage more women to seek STEM jobs. If they are given a female professor, women are more inclined to major in STEM. Women are more likely to apply for leadership positions and speak up for themselves if they see more female leaders, according to research. Opoku pointed out that unconscious bias persisted and that some executives still think men with the same qualifications are more likely to succeed than women . She said, ” Especially in STEM professions, we all have the obligation to eradicate unconscious prejudices in hiring and personnel selections.” By encouraging women to pursue STEM-related occupations, the Foundation hopes to aid in a just transition to a regenerative economy. Source: GNAPost navigation

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Let’s break misconceptions surrounding STEM – STEMinist Foundation

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Tema, July 14, GNA- The STEMinist Foundation, Ghana says breaking myths surrounding the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is one sure way of encouraging more females to venture into the area. The STEMinist Foundation, Ghana is an active network of women advocating for an equal world through the greater representation of women in STEM fields. The foundation aims to contribute to a just transition to a regenerative economy by inspiring women to take-up STEM-related careers Ms. Stephanie Asabea Opoku, Administrative Officer, STEMinist Foundation Ghana, stated this at a stakeholder engagement organized by the Ghana News Agency, which is a progressive media platform for state and non-state actors to contribute to national development Ms. Opoku said society had created the impression that the STEM field was very tough, suitable for men and people to be very analytical, with little or no jobs available, especially for women. She said the field was rather interesting and dynamic and allowed people to solve problems around the world in different ways, stressing that there were several jobs that required people with STEM backgrounds to fill such spaces irrespective of their gender. She mentioned that although the number of women venturing into the field is increasing currently, more needs to be done to encourage girls, right from their basic education, to see the field as one that could be studied by all. She added that the field brought out the creativity of people, who were being innovative to pull some gaps in the society as well as create more jobs for others, adding that the era where people completed school and awaited employment was being changed by the introduction of STEM. Ms. Opoku said the focus of education had gone beyond only math and science concepts, saying that critical thinking, decision-making, curiosity, leadership and problem solving were some benefits STEM was imbibing in the children, making them challenge standards. She stressed the need to capitalize on STEM to prepare the future generation, especially females, to become innovators and inventors Mr. Francis Ameyibor, Ghana News Agency Tema Regional Manager, encouraged female journalist to venture into STEM reportage, which would also serve as a catalyst to encourage younger ones to study science and it’s related courses. Mr. Ameyibor urged media houses to build the capacity of their reporters to take on the new challenge of the STEM revolution through enhanced reportage. GNA. By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah

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