In line with Newmont Goldcorp Ghana’s inclusion value and support for women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the company has instituted a cash prize to the best performing female school at this year’s National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ).

The annual science and mathematics competition, which is currently ongoing, is aimed at promoting the study of science and mathematics while fostering healthy academic rivalry among senior high schools in Ghana.

Newmont Goldcorp Ghana, through its sponsorship package will award the best performing female school with a cash prize of GHC20,000 and an opportunity to visit the company’s mines to familiarize themselves with the mines operations.

During their visit, the female students would participate in the New Futures for Girls Leadership Camp, a two-day seminar to develop the leadership skills in young women and prepare them for the job market. This forms part of the company’s ongoing corporate social responsibility efforts to promote initiatives in the educational sector amongst High school students.

In December last year, the company partnered with Junior Achievement Ghana to implement its new National Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy called the Tertiary and Secondary Skills Enhancement Programme (T-SSEP). Under this initiative, over 200 young high school girls will be empowered; building their capacity for leadership roles in the private and public sectors.

There have been concerns about the performance of female participants in the NSMQ over the years; however, Newmont Goldcorp Ghana believes that, with this support the remaining ladies in the competition will be motivated to reach for the ultimate prize.

Newmont Goldcorp Ghana is hopeful that supporting women in the STEM disciplines would contribute significantly to efforts in advancing the inclusion of women in male-dominated fields such as mining.