The National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) has called for gender equality in science to enhance the nation’s development.
The Assistant Chief Research Officer, NABDA, Mrs Rita Sunday, made the call on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Women and Girls in Sciences.
NAN reports that the day recognises the critical roles women and girls play in science and technology as well as promoting their participation in the area of sciences which include employment, training, education and decision making.
Sunday underscored the need to encourage women and girls in sciences in the development of science education policies, elimination of discrimination against women in the field of education and employment.
According to her, others include the promotion of career development for women in science and recognition of the achievements of women and girls in science.
She said the UN reported that most countries had not achieved gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), adding that women were given smaller research grants than their male colleagues.
“Women represent 33.3 per cent of all researchers and 12 per cent of members of science academies and 28 per cent of engineering graduate.
” Others include 40 per cent of graduates in computer science and informatics are women; and in cutting edge fields such as artificial intelligence only 22 per cent are women,” Sunday said.
According to her, UN has reported that female researchers have less well-paid careers, they are often passed over for promotion and their work was underrepresented in high profile journals.
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Sunday advocated the support of women and girls who had shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of scientists.
According to her, there is need to reaffirm the commitment to gender equality in science and to encourage young minds to explore the endless possibilities of STEM.
“Let us continue to support and empower women and girls in science, ensuring that their voices and talents are heard and valued in the quest for knowledge and innovation,” Sunday said. (NAN)
