The Kumapley Auditorium pulsed with energy on Friday afternoon as young women in engineering gathered for the year's climax: SheCan 4.0, organised by Women in Engineering (WinE), KNUST. With the theme “Beyond Backgrounds, She Can Become,” the event was a colourful blend of celebration, reflection, and empowerment—reminding every woman present that her past does not limit her future.
The opening atmosphere was electric. From the buzz of excited conversations to the rhythmic choreography that set the tone, the auditorium felt less like a lecture hall and more like a festival of possibility. Attendees echoed the familiar call-and-response chant — “Hey WinE!” … “Hey Girl!”—that sparked instant unity and laughter.
One of the highlights of the day was the panel discussion featuring Ing. Mrs. Jane Naki Tetteh-Anowie (WinE Ghana President-elect), Lady Mary Doe Martey (former WinE KNUST President), and Dr. Augustina Angelina Sylverken (Senior Lecturer, KNUST).
Together, they brought a wealth of experience and authenticity to the stage. Prof. Nkansah, drawing from her journey in academia, urged young women not to let their backgrounds be barriers but stepping stones: “Your story is not a limitation; it is a foundation you can build upon.” The speakers shared their triumphs and struggles with honesty and humour, sparking laughter and reflection as they challenged the audience to dream bigger and push harder.
One of the most emotional points of the afternoon came when the JNA Foundation took the stage to honour the legacy of the late Josephine, a past WinE president. The auditorium fell silent during the tribute, with some attendees moved to tears. It was a solemn reminder of the impact of leadership, service, and the community that WinE continues to nurture.
Youthful Energy: SHS Students on Stage
This year’s edition welcomed university students and invited senior high school students, injecting fresh energy into the program. Some of them lit up the stage with lively dance performances that drew cheers and applause from the audience. Their participation was more than entertainment—it was a glimpse of the pipeline of young women who may one day take up the engineering mantle.
Art, Awards, and Applause
The program also celebrated creativity and talent. A drama performance captured the struggles and triumphs of women in engineering, while a choreography piece brought the crowd to their feet. Perhaps the most memorable performance, however, came when the WinE Ghana President herself surprised everyone by breaking into a viral TikTok dance on stage—sending the hall into roars of cheers and applause.
The WinE Excellence Awards crowned the evening’s celebrations, recognising outstanding members for their dedication, leadership, and achievements. For many, this was the peak of the event—a moment of pride and affirmation that hard work does not go unnoticed.
Closing with Purpose
The event concluded with the State of the WinE Address by the chapter’s executives, who highlighted the strides made by the association and cast a vision for the future. They reminded the audience that WinE is more than just an association—it is a sisterhood, a support system, and a force shaping the next generation of engineers.
As attendees filed out of the buzzing auditorium, the day's message lingered: Beyond backgrounds, she can become. She can become a leader. She can become an innovator. She can become anything she dares to dream.
