Science & Tech
CHILD and Youth Protection Foundation (CYPF), an NGO, has stressed the need to remove cultural norms that discourage women and girls from pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Its National Coordinator, Mr Kolawole Olatosimi, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) ahead of the commemoration of the 2024 International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
NAN reports that Feb. 11 is the ninth International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Established in 2015 by the United Nations, the event aims to promote women’s and girls’ participation in STEM subjects and to highlight gender disparities in these fields.
Olatosimi said historically, cultural norms had been one barrier that determined what a child would become.
According to him, the cultural norms often promote the male child for STEM related courses while the girls are promoted for soft courses because of cultural assumptions on both genders.
The foundation’s boss said there was need to support educational equity to all students, regardless of gender, adding that they should have equitable opportunities to explore and excel in STEM subjects.
He said in spite of the barriers, some women and girls had recorded important and outstanding global feats through STEM.
“In computer science, for example, women have been in the development of programming languages and computer systems.
“There has been a concerted effort to increase the participation of women in STEM fields by providing initiatives such as mentorship programmes, scholarships, outreach efforts and advocacy campaigns.
“The aim is to attract and retain women in STEM disciplines from an early age through higher education and into professional careers,” Olatosimi said.
According to him, providing adequate quality education and training opportunities is essential for women’s development in STEM.
He added that access to STEM education, including hands-on learning experiences and supportive learning environments, would help to build confidence and skills among women and girls interested in pursuing STEM careers.
“The foundation has promoted and encouraged girls in STEM courses by organising ICT training as well as providing laptops and desktops in some selected secondary schools in the FCT.
“The purpose is to teach and encourage girls to pursue their desires for STEM fields which will make them become better women and contribute positively to the society and the world at large,’’ foundation’s boss said (NAN)
9th February, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: CHILD and Youth Protection Foundation (CYPF)
