THE IMPACT OF PEER PRESSURE ON GIRLS'S INTEREST IN STEM CAREERS : THE CASE OF AKOSUA AMANOR

Peer pressure is a significant yet often overlooked issue in education, especially in STEM fields. This challenge is particularly acute for girls, who can be more susceptible to external influences. Akosua Amanor’s story, as a senior high school student from Ghana's Central Region, illustrates this reality compellingly. 

Raised in a nurturing environment, Akosua was a confident, intelligent, and determined young woman with dreams of becoming an engineer from a young age. However, her ambition faltered during her final year in lower secondary school. She began to neglect her Math and Science studies, failing her final exams. Upon reflection, she realized her friends' negative influence had swayed her priorities. They encouraged her to pursue social activities instead of academics, gradually diminishing her interest in studying. This shift in focus made Math and Science seem tedious, leading her to sleep during class frequently.Despite her parents’ numerous efforts to redirect her path, it wasn't until she enrolled in a public senior high school that Akosua found her footing again. With extra support from a dedicated Math teacher and two supportive friends, she slowly regained her passion for learning. It took her until her final year to rekindle her enthusiasm for the essential subjects needed for her engineering dreams. 

Akosua’s experience underscores the critical impact of peer pressure in education, illustrating how it nearly derailed her aspirations. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of a supportive environment in enabling young girls to pursue their dreams in STEM.