Okekpolo Urges Educators to Promote Girls’ Interest in Science

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

Dr. Mrs. Ogochuku Okekpolo, UN Eminent Ambassador and Global Ambassador for Gender Priority Strategy, marked the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11 by emphasizing the pivotal role educators play in motivating girls to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Speaking during a strategy meeting with the Delta State Coordinator of the Forum for African Educationalists (FAWE), Mrs. Keonyenasoa Odijie, and other stakeholders, she underscored the importance of teachers in addressing the gender gap in science and their influence in fostering girls’ excitement about science.

She observed that educators play a pivotal role in unlocking the full potential of future female innovators; therefore, they must proactively identify girls who demonstrate aptitude in math and science from an early age and encourage them to pursue careers in STEM.

In her view, encouragement and mentorship at that stage could be instrumental in sparking positive change. She stressed that girls should be encouraged to assume leadership roles in experiments, projects, and science fairs, to appreciate the allure of science.

She called for early intervention, targeted mentorship, and the creation of inclusive learning environments that support girls’ pursuit of STEM careers, emphasizing that schools and policymakers must also assume their responsibilities.

“To promote gender equality in STEM education, implementing more STEM clubs for girls, gender-equal curricula, and teacher training can be beneficial. Additionally, scholarships and mentorship programs can empower girls to transition from curious students to future scientists”, she hinted.

February 11th is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This day is all about recognizing the critical role women and girls play in science and technology and promoting full and equal access to and participation in science for them. It’s a day to celebrate the achievements of women in science and to encourage more girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).