International day of women and girls in science
The Adolescent Health and Information Network (AHIP), has urged women to acquire science technology and mathematics (STEM) knowledge to contribute to the economic development of the world.
The executive director of AHIP, Hajiya Mairo Bello made the call in Kano, as part of activities to commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
According to the statement, women are often underrepresented in the areas of science technology and mathematics.
She pointed out that, acquiring STEM knowledge would pave the way for gender equality, achievement of Sustainable Development, economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental integrity.
Hajiya Mairo explained that, according to the United Nations, a significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world.
“Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields.
Gender equality has always been a core issue for the United Nations”
“Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls will make a crucial contribution not only to the economic development of the world but also to progress across all the goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”
She urged the government at all levels to prioritize STEM education for women by providing scholarship opportunities to bridge the gap.
The executive director appealed to parents to encourage their female children by enrolling them in science-based courses to move the nation forward.
