OWSD Umudike Decries Gender Inequality In the Study Of Science

The Coordinator, Organization for Women In Science for the Developing World (OWSD), Umudike Chapter, Abia state, Prof. Mabel Ifeoma Onwuka has decried the low participation of girls in science.

The Professor of Soil Science who disclosed this at Girls Secondary Amuzukwu Umuahia Abia State recently, during their awareness programme to commemorate 2024 International Day for women and girls in Science, added that that gender inequality affecting the girl child in the study of science is not healthy for the society, hence, the need to take urgent action.

Prof. Onwuka who described this year’s theme; ‘Women and Girls in science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability’, as apt and timely, revealed that OWSD has made provision to mentor young female scientists into leadership positions, to compete favourably with their male counterparts.

Onwuka called for a renewed effort from critical stakeholders towards mobilizing female students in the study of science, maintaining that expanding women and girls participation in study of science is key to a sustainable development in our society.

Contributing, the Assistant Coordinator of the group, Prof. Judith Simoyan, identified factors responsible for low participation of girls in the field of science to include; unequal access to education, fear, intimidation, lack of female role models, unwelcoming classroom environment, inadequate teachers, among others.

Prof. Simoyan who also charged girls not to shy away from their academic responsibilities, revealed that there is a huge opportunity for girls who wish to build a career in science.

Earlier in her remark, in her remark, the Principal, Girls’ Secondary School, Amuzukwu, Umuahia Abia State, Mrs. Emilia Odo Kalu, thanked OWSD for their efforts in the development of women and girls in Nigeria.

Mrs. Kalu who further described science as key towards the development of the society, urged female students to take up an academic career in science.

She also thanked OWSD for choosing the school for this year’s awareness, adding that they would not relent in promoting science subjects in the school.

Highpoints of the event were the payment of charges owed by some indigent students, distribution of gift items like books, and the adoption of five students for a two-year mentoring programme, refreshments, among others.

Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries of the kindhearted gesture, Miss Chimbo Joy, thanked OWSD for the benevolence towards them, praying God to bless and replenish their pockets

Other members of the group that were present and also spoke at the event include: Prof. Mercy O. Obike – Financial Secretary, Dr. Ngozi Achi – Treasurer, Dr. Ogechi Obiozor – Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr. Jane Nwaekpe – Program Coordinator, Dr. Pearl Amadi – Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Obiageri Chimaraoke – PRO 2, Dr. Patricia Ukegbu – Member, Dr. Jubilant O. Umeh – Member, Dr. Uchechi B. Onyedikachi – Member, Mrs Uchechi Oke – Member, and Dr. Edith Nze – Member.

OWSD is an international organization founded in 1987 and based at the offices of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), in Trieste, Italy. It is a programme unit of UNESCO.

OWSD is the first international forum to unite eminent women scientists from the developing and developed worlds with the objective of strengthening their role in the development process and promoting their representation in scientific and technological leadership.

OWSD provides research training, career development and networking opportunities for women scientists throughout the developing world at different stages in their careers.