Nakuru, Kenya
As the world prepares to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) has amplified its commitment to empowering women and girls in STEM.
Recognizing the importance of closing the gender gap in STEM, CCBA is taking action to promote the advancement of women in science. The company General Manager of Voltic (GH) Ltd, Flora Jika, stated that CCBA is committed to empowering women and girls throughout its markets in Africa, to create greater opportunities for both the business and the communities it serves.
In Ghana, CCBA’s subsidiary Voltic (GH) Limited has partnered with organizations like Girls Excellence Movement (GEM) and Girls in Science and Technology (GIST) to increase impact and opportunities for women and girls in STEM. GEM and Voltic have organized outreach events and GIST provides mentorship and internship opportunities for female STEM students. These programs aim to inspire and educate young girls to become leaders in STEM, and provide them with the resources and support they need for a successful STEM career.
Jika emphasized the importance of investing in women’s economic empowerment, saying that it creates shared value and leads to improved livelihoods for women and their communities while expanding the business. CCBA’s goal is to boost income, improve skills and business knowledge, and provide women with the tools they need to access other opportunities.
As the world marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, CCBA’s efforts to empower women and girls in STEM demonstrate the company’s commitment to creating a better future for everyone. According to a World Bank article, “the critical importance of scientific and technological capacity is more evident than ever” in today’s digital and climate-conscious world. However, the authors note that women are still underrepresented in STEM fields, with only 30% of science professionals in sub-Saharan Africa being women. Negative stereotypes, discrimination, and traditional gender roles are just some of the barriers to women’s advancement in STEM.