The wife of the Abia State governor, Mrs Precillia Otti, has promised to continue encouraging girls to study science, technology, engineering, and management (STEM) subjects in school.
Mrs Otti announced this while flagging off the 4th Biennial Conference of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World at Abia State University Uturu.
The event, themed “Women in Science: Changing the Narratives through Innovation and Technology,” aims to highlight and promote women’s contributions to science.
“I urge you to develop effective strategies that could be adopted by government and educational institutions in the zone to promote STEM education for girls,” she noted.
Represented by the commissioner for women’s affairs and poverty alleviation, Mrs Blessing Felix, she said the strategies could include grants, scholarships, and mentoring programmes.
The first lady also emphasised the importance of celebrating women’s contributions to technology and innovation “in a field traditionally dominated by men”.
In an address, the university’s vice-chancellor, Prof Onyemachi Ogbulu, expressed the hope that the conference will redefine the role of women in science in the digital age.
Ogbulu commended the governor’s wife for advocating and supporting women in science in the zone and across the country.
In a remark, the national chairperson of the organisation, Prof Olayinka Nwachukwu, said it has over 30 branches nationwide and facilitates research collaborations among women scientists.
“The organisation enhances career mobility through networking and information sharing and engages with governments and communities to promote girls’ education,” she added.
The zonal coordinator of the organisation, Prof Uchenna Odoh, highlighted the significant contributions of women to science throughout history despite facing formidable obstacles and systemic barriers.
She urged governments to address structural and cultural barriers that hinder women’s advancement in science, such as gender bias, discrimination, and unequal access to career opportunities and leadership roles.
The conference also recognised individuals who have significantly contributed to leadership, academics, and the advancement of women’s causes.
