The Centre for Gender Research, Advocacy and Documentation (CEGRAD) of University of Cape Coast has joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science with students of the Academy of Christ the King Senior High School, Cape Coast.
The United Nations General Assembly in 2015 declared 11th February each year as International Day of Women and Girls in Science to promote empowerment and gender equality. The observance pays particular attention to the promotion of full and equal access and participation of women in Science, Technology and Mathematics fields.
Globally, the Day was commemorated on the theme, "Bring everyone forward for sustainable and equitable development."
A Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biomedical Sciences of University of Cape Coast, Dr. Mrs. Ama Kyerewaa Thomford, advised girls in basic school to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related courses at the higher levels of education.
Dr. Mrs. Ama Kyerewaa Thomford
She further entreated women and young girls to be focused and ignore stereotypes of women in STEM and therefore urged young girls to master the skills of STEM. She said with time, people would accept the brand of women and the level of capacity in the field of their professional work.
Dr. Thomford indicated that industries in the country were looking for people with skills in the area of science and technology.
The Co-ordinator, Advocacy and Outreach at CEGRAD-UCC, Dr. Theresa Patrine Ennin, advised young girls to not give up due to the difficulties they face in life.
Instead, she said young girls should visualise their dreams and be willing to put in time, energy and sacrifices to realise their goals.
Dr. Theresa Patrine Ennin
Dr. Ennin counseled young girls to desist from premarital sex in order not to jeopardise their future. She urged the girls to take their studies seriously to achieve their future aspirations and effectively contribute their quota to national development.
The Director of CEGRAD-UCC, Dr. Georgina Yaa Oduro, in her address, noted that science plays an important role for sustainable development with women in science playing a more crucial role in ensuring that the world does not only survive but thrives.
She explained to the students the mandate of CEGRAD-UCC.
Miss Lovia Boahemaa, a 16-year old student of the Academy of Christ the King Senior High School, told journalists that she was going to heed to the advice from the facilitators to enable her positively impact society.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC