Today February 11 is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, set apart by the resolution of the United Nations General Assembly. The day is to promote full and equal access to participation in science for women and girls in science and technology.
International days are occasions to educate and sensitize the members of the society on issues of concern, to influence political will and to reinforce the achievement of humanity.
It’s no longer news that women and girls represent half of the world’s population and therefore half of it’s potential, but sadly, there exists a low representation of girls and women in science and technology.
According to UNESCO data 2014-2016, only around 30% of all female students select STEM-related fields in higher education even globally, female students enrolment is particularly low in ICT. We are equally faced with the harsh reality whenever we visit secondary schools and we are constantly asked by female students ‘ if it is ‘acceptable’ for them to be engineers and doctors.
The girl child should be encouraged and supported to pursue any career, she desires. She is equally capable of excelling in science and technology.
We need to harness their full potentials by dismantling traditions, customs and gender stereotypes steering girls and women away from science for an equitable society.
