MATHEMATICS IS KEY TO STUDYING SCIENCE- TALLEN
…..Urges Female students interested in the Science field to embrace Mathematics.
Oru Leonard
Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen has said that Mathematics is key to studying all science professions.
The Minister stated this on Thursday at the Government Girls’ Science Secondary School Kuje, while marking the 2021 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, just as she urged Female students interested in the Science field to embrace Mathematics as is a foremost prerequisite for venturing into studying science.
Dame Tallen who spoke on the theme, “Women Scientists at the Forefront of the Fight Against COVID-19”, called for collaborations to promote and ensure that female students select Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related fields in higher education.
She commended this years theme as it is aimed at acknowledging women and girls during this global pandemic and the significant role women scientists played along with their male counterparts at the frontline as the Doctors, Nurses, Laboratory Scientists and indeed in assisting in the research and development of the Covid-19 Vaccines.
She noted that COVID-19 has disrupted all social and economic activities worldwide and has equally brought clearly to the fore a significant negative impact on women scientists, particularly affecting those at the early stages of their career, and thus contributing to widening the existing gender gap in science and revealing the gender disparities in scientific system, which needs to be addressed by new policies, initiatives and mechanisms to support women and girls in science.
“It was discovered that around the world, women are consistently under-represented in leading positions in science. It has been shown in several Studies that men and women are consciously or unconsciously biased against women In science”, she lamented.
She said that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs intensified efforts to improve on the information on the place girls and women occupy in science and technology, access to scientific and technological studies as well as to achieve greater equality in the relations between men and women throughout the society, and also engaged in awareness creation campaign to promote Girl-child education especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Pauline disclosed that the Ministry has also embarked on the distribution of educational support materials to students to support them in their academic pursuit. The impact of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to the nation’s economy is no doubt enormous.
“STEM education creates critical thinkers, problem-solvers and the next generation of innovators. Taking up a career in STEM will however enable you to be a problem-solver and innovator that will address some major challenges confronting our nation”, she noted.
She further said that the Federal Government through all relevant agencies will continue to strive hard to provide the necessary motivations for the girls to perform well in science and technology and she called on stakeholders to strengthen their collective efforts aimed at creating awareness and sensitizing the children especially the Girl-child on the importance of choosing a career in science and technology education.
The Minister then called on parents and teachers to ensure that children, especially the Girl-child are properly guided to engage in STEM education. “Parents should start early to dismiss the notion among the children that science is too tough for girls. Female models in science and technology should also be engaged to encourage and groom young girls into science and technology.
“Teachers should be more sensitive to activities of the students in the classroom and motivate girls who perform well in science.
“The media must also engage in educating and informing the general public on the role of girls and women in science and technology. Only science-oriented girls will blend in the hitherto exclusive areas for men such as Engineering, Geologist, Doctors etc.
“Therefore, empowering our girls and women as well as promoting gender equality is central to sustainable development. Creating diversity in our institutions is critical in accomplishing Goal 5 (Gender Equality), in the United Nations 2030 Goals for Sustainable Development”, she stated.
She advised the students to develop passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and walk side by side with their male counterparts in all endeavours of life without an exception.
The Principal GGSSS, Mrs Obiageli Sabina in her remarks urged the girls to be focused, work hard to achieve.
She expressed happiness that the School is hosting this year’s occasion, adding that with the Minister present, the girls will know they can do all they set their minds to do.
Other dignitaries who goodwill messages include representatives of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Science and Technology, UBEB, UNICEF, UN women, UNFPA, Women in ICT and the The President, Women Against Violence and Exploitation, (WAVE), Mrs. Lola Ibrahim.
