France Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann has advised that more women in Nigeria be included in science and technology to bridge the existing gaps in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in schools.
The Ambassador gave the advice on the occasion to commemorate of the International Women’s Day (IWD) and as part of the quarterly Breakfast Debate programme, organised by the Institut français du Nigeria and the Embassy of France in Nigeria, with the breakfast debate on “Women in Science.”
Recall that the breakfast debate was aimed at addressing the complex issues surrounding the inclusion of Nigerian women in science and technology.
The programme afforded the participants the opportunity to showcase what Nigerian and African women who have distinguished themselves in various fields of human endeavours as they serve as role models to other women and girls.
Blatmann noted that so many Nigerian women have carved a niche in their chosen professions, stressing that there was a need to celebrate them to inspire younger women and girls to pursue their own careers.
She advised younger women and girls not to allow anybody tell them that some professions and sectors are not meant for them.
She urged participants to discuss the challenges faced by women to break the glass ceiling in STEM, even as she underscored the need for girl-child education, stating that it is the best way to fight obscurantism, poverty and inequality in society.
Blatmann, expressed disappointment over a few women elected in the recent presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria, and expressed optimism that women would win more seats in the various senatorial districts and federal constituencies where elections were declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC).
She however, pointed out that the election of women in various leadership positions is a work in progress, stressing that many Nigerian women have demonstrated outstanding and exceptional performances in their chosen fields.
The Ambassador called for investigation and interrogation of the reasons behind low participation of women in politics in the country.
The Director of the TechHer, Chioma Agwuegbo, at the panel discussions called on the government to create a level playing ground for boys and girls in schools in the study of STEM.
She decried inadequate infrastructural facilities in schools which have impacted negatively in the study of STEM in schools.
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