Numerous young girls in Africa drop out of science classes due to fear and a lack of mentorship, according to the Organization of Women in Science in the Developing World (WOSD).
In observance of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science, Dr. Adachukwu Ikeyi, Coordinator of the organization at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, made the observation on Wednesday in Enugu.
The theme of the day is “Women and Girls in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability”.
The coordinator noted that those younger ones in the third world countries had lost interest because of political leadership noting that women could change the narrative as they were good in research.
Ikeyi said that the group came together to make them understand the beauty of science.
To promote economic development, she did, however, encourage young girls in the nation to enroll in science courses.
In her remarks, Dr Chidimma Okafor from the Department of Biological Sciences, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, said the main purpose was to empower the next generation of scientists as most secondary school students were loosing interest in science.
Okafor explained that for one to be a successful scientist, the person needed to be determined, committed and engaged in study groups.
She said that some students were faced with some challenges which included lack of resources, lack of confidence, fear, limited education resources and lack of purpose.
Also speaking, Dr Gloria Onah from the Department of Science and Laboratory Technology, IMT, said that the students were taught to rise above ignorance, fear and they should work hard, be courageous so that they would be great in life.
Miss Iruoma Okoye, a student from the Forham International Secondary School in Enugu, expressed her gratitude for the gesture and added that it had taught her how to live a fearless life.
(NAN
