By Nekpen Maureen Nwine
Science has been erroneously believed to be most suited to the male folks as it is perceived to be difficult and challenging.
In times past, women were not only intimidated but also discouraged from venturing into Science-related fields, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, thereby creating a consistent gender gap in the field. This has discouraged the girl-child from venturing into the science domain.
Gender equality has always been a core issue for the United Nations considering the fact that the empowerment of women and the girl-child contributes immensely not only to global economic development, but to progress across all goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Therefore encouraging the girl-child to take up Science-related disciplines must be seen as the duty of everyone.
In celebrating the 2022 International Day for Women and Girls in Science, with the theme “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Eradicating Gender Disparity in Science, Technology and Innovation” which is the 9th in the series, it is worthy to note that the huge investment in Education by the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration, is geared towards eradicating gender disparity in science, technology and innovation in Edo.
As part of the implementation of the Edo State Civil and Public Service Transformation and Enhancement (EdoSTEP) programme, the Obaseki-led administration has sustained efforts aimed at supporting more women to explore opportunities in various fields in the sciences. More female scientists are being supported to develop innovative solutions to societal problems and bring their expertise to bear in the State’s civil and public service.
There is no gainsaying the fact that the world needs the collaborative efforts of women to advance through the world of Science, Technology and Innovation, given the giant strides of women like Edith Clarke, a pioneer Electrical Engineer in the dawn of the 20th century, known to perform challenging mathematical calculations before modern day computers and calculators were invented.
She became the first professionally employed female electrical engineer in the United States, and Grace Alele-Williams, a Professor of Mathematics Education who made history as the first Nigerian Female Vice Chancellor and first woman to receive a Doctorate Degree in Nigeria, as well as many other women who had distinguished themselves in the field of Science and Technology.
In achieving this, Governor Obaseki revamped the hitherto comatose Government Science and Technical College (GSTC), hosting a production hub to spur industrialization in the axis to create opportunities for students to work with those in the industry to enable them to translate what they learn into concrete forms.
This is in addition to the massive upgrade of schools across the State which are all structured towards empowering students of both genders to compete favourably with their counterparts worldwide and excel.
The Governor’s message during the 2022 celebration of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science, aptly revives the dying interest in sciences when he said “We have expanded our basic education reforms to junior secondary schools and technical colleges to ensure equal opportunity and a growth path for our children, including boys and girls, to explore careers in science and technology without discrimination”.
This bears testament to the Governor’s commitment in promoting equal opportunities for all genders in sciences.
