FG reaffirms commitment to promoting STEM for women and girls

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to advancing STEM education and mentorship opportunities for women and girls in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, by her Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jonathan Eze, the minister commended the resilience of Nigerian women and girls excelling in science and technology, emphasizing their critical role in driving innovation despite facing numerous barriers.

“This year’s theme, “Inclusive Green Growth for Gender Equality”, resonates deeply with our Ministry’s commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls in Nigeria.

“As we mark this important day, I want to emphasize the critical role that women and girls play in driving innovation and progress in science and technology. “Despite facing numerous barriers, women and girls in Nigeria are making significant strides in STEM fields, and it is our collective responsibility to support and encourage them.

“As a Ministry, we are committed to creating an enabling environment that fosters the participation of women and girls in science and technology. We are working tirelessly to promote STEM education, provide mentorship opportunities, and support research and innovation initiatives that benefit women and girls.

The Minister urged governments, private sector organizations, civil society groups, as well as individuals to promote the inclusion of women and girls in science and technology.

The minister emphasized the need for a more equitable society where women and girls have equal opportunities to pursue careers in STEM fields and make meaningful contributions to scientific advancements.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to create an enabling environment for women in science and technology through STEM education, mentorship programs, and support for research and innovation.

“Together, we can build a more inclusive society where women and girls have equal opportunities to contribute to the scientific community,” she added.

Every year on February 11, the United Nations observes the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, recognising that equal access to and participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are critical for achieving gender equality. 

Writing by Hadiza Abdulrahman; Editing by Julian Osamoto