Headteacher of the Evangelical Presbyterian (EP) Basic School in Keta, Madam Rebecca Girraldo Ackumey has advised girls to consider science and mathematics as their ‘friendly subjects.’
She believes that doing so will empower them to build self-confidence in successfully tackling these subjects. Madam Akumey shared her thoughts with the Ghana News Agency as part of the commemoration of this year’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
The focus of the event was to shed light on the significant barriers women and girls face in science and math and ways to overcome these challenges.
This year’s theme, ‘Women in Science Leadership: A New Era for Sustainability,’ aimed to highlight the transformative potential inherent in fostering leadership roles for women and girls in scientific pursuits. Madam Akumey explained that, in honor of the day, the school invited math and science lecturers from the Nurses and Midwifery Training College in Keta to teach female students practical aspects of science and its importance.
Madam Akumey emphasized that women and girls play a crucial role as catalysts for change in the field of science and deserve the necessary support to excel and positively impact society. She expressed the need to produce more female professionals in various scientific fields, urging the public to support the celebration as a reminder of women and girls’ indispensable contributions to science and technological communities.
Addressing the persistent gender gap in STEM fields, Madam Akumey stressed the urgency of addressing this issue at all levels. She called on women and girls to embrace leadership roles as a means to enhance gender equality and empowerment.
Madam Akumey urged the public, including teachers and heads of institutions, to encourage and support women and girls in overcoming fear and developing confidence in studying math and science for their personal benefits and the betterment of society.
