Rep. Of the wife of Abia Governor, Mrs. Ngozi Felix(C) vice chancellor ABSU, Prof. Ogbulu with members of OWSD during the conference.
The South East zone of the Organisation for Women in Science for the developing world has kick start its 4th Biennial conference in Abia state University Uturu with the theme ‘women in science: changing the narratives through innovation and technology’.
The wife of Abia Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, who graced the conference praised the role organisation for women in science for the developing world are playing by encouraging young girls to embrace science related subjects in their academic pursuits.
She expressed that in a field dominated by male it is exciting to celebrate the impact that women in science are making in technology and innovation.
While commending the organisation for their efforts so far, Mrs. Otti represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Ngozi Felix advised the organisation to develop more result oriented strategy or template that governments and educational institutions in the Southeast can adopt as policy to encourage our daughters towards STEM by offering grant and scholarship as well as mentoring them.
According to her, ” while I will continue to advocate for girls to take subjects in stem, as a government, we are committed to improving the education sector to better train our future leaders”
“We are actively renovating and repairing schools to ensure they are well-equipped and conducive to learning”
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Wife of Abia Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti
“We are also motivating our teachers by ensuring regular salaries and continuously reviewing regulations governing schools to enhance their effectiveness”
“By addressing these issues, we are giving more children, especially girls, the opportunity to receive an education and build a brighter future”.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Abia State University Uturu, Professor Onyemachi Ogbulu said that the conference will redefine the role of women in science in this digital age.
Ogbulu commended the wife of the Governor for promoting and championing the noble cause of women in science in the Southeast in particular and the country at large.
In her address, the National Chairperson of the Organisation for Women in Science for the developing world, Professor Olayinka Nwachukwu explained that the organisation has more than 30 branches situated in all the geo political zones of the country, with membership comprising early, mid – career and senior level academics/researchers.
“Our major activities are research collaborations among women scientists; networking and information sharing to enhance career mobility of members; mentoring and also, engaging government and communities to promote education of the girl child”
Professor Olayinka expressed that the conference shall be a convergence of scientists to share their research findings.
However, the Southeast co-ordinator of the organisation, Professor Uchenna Estella Odoh stated that throughout history, women have made significant contributions to the field of science, often in the face of formidable obstacles and systemic barriers.
Professor Uchenna call on government to address the structural and cultural barriers that hinders the advancement of women in science, including gender bias, discrimination, and unequal access to opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles.
Meanwhile, the organisation also honours the remarkable accomplishments and unwavering dedication of individuals who have made significant contributions in leadership, academics and advancement of women causes.
