Building a learning organization on gender parity is an integral part of Ashesi’s vision. Every year, the Ashesi admissions team and the hiring teams are intentional about the gender ratio of applicants accepted into the various programs and positions, respectively. The table below illustrates the intentionality for parity from application to admission which impacts graduation.

Support systems are put in place to contribute to the success of all students, particularly the female students in STEM programs. The average % of women graduating compared to number of women admitted to Ashesi is a high 88%, similar to the men’s 84%. Often 50% of the graduands are female. Rigor and striving towards excellence are the hallmarks of an Ashesi education for all. For the current cohort of students who are yet to graduate(c2023, c2024, c2025), Table 1 shows a breakdown of the application and admission numbers by gender for each year.

Ashesi puts in place measures and policies to support its young women to succeed in their various programs. Some of these measures include the Career Mentorship Program, Academic Advising, Counselling and Coaching, Student - tutoring programs and access to the Mothers Lounge (a private space for nursing mothers). The campus’ zero-tolerance for sexual misconduct and harassment has created a conducive environment for all students and employees (especially women and other marginalized groups) to be their best selves and thrive. Some of the policies include but are not limited to: Non-Discrimination & Anti-Harassment Policy, Maternity & Paternity Leave Policy, and a Gender Integration Policy.

Ashesi seeks gender parity on its Boards, Administration, Faculty, and Staff and among its students. Ashesi has a nine-member governing Board of Directors of whom five are women. Its six-member Executive Committee is comprised of three women, with an additional two women in administrative roles at the executive level. Typically, female students make up 47% or higher with 52% of available scholarships awarded to women. Considering most of the programs offered at Ashesi are STEM i.e., Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Engineering, and a Finance and strong Math based Business Administration program, achieving female enrollment of 45% or higher each year is no mean feat.

Mentoring takes many forms. Dr. Elena Rosca , a Senior Lecturer in Bio engineering at Ashesi, teaches Statistics, Applied Programing for Engineers and Applied Physics. She also leads the Women in Tech group, providing a space where women in science related fields can discuss real problems they face in their fields, and be guided to find work-arounds.

“For some of the girls, it’s not just a big accomplishment to be doing engineering, but it is an achievement to even be in school, so they might need some extra attention,” shared Dr. Rosca. “My goal is to make sure that all the girls who have been accepted in the program should be able to make it through.”