Girls are been denied in schools the opportunity to advance their careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as a result of some cultural and social factors.
Afrikids Ghana, a child-centred non-governmental organization based in the Upper East Region said statements like Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics are difficult and not meant for the female discourages girls from developing an interest in studying them.
Speaking on A1 Radio, the Country Director for Afrikids Ghana, David Pwalua said the NGO is concerned about such narratives. He said girls ought to be encouraged to study and develop interest in these areas.
“From our years of experience in schools, we’ve realized that girls, in particular, are being denied the opportunity to advance their careers in this area as a result of some cultural and social factors.”
“Some of these factors are the myths making the rounds that mathematics is so complex and difficult and that the female’s mind hasn’t been designed for them to be able to appreciate mathematics, same with the science and technology component. These are narratives that we as Afrikids are not happy about.”
“We think that they are meant to discourage girls from studying and to develop an interest in these areas.”
He said it “would be unfortunate if we allow this crucial assumption to stick that the female hasn’t got the mental capacity to study and excel in these areas.”
Mr. Pwalua expressed worry that despite efforts made by the government to provide structures for STEM to be taught in each school, STEM Coordinators in the various schools, districts and regional levels have not done enough to encourage the study of these subjects, especially the practical aspects.
According to him, Afrikids Ghana is ready to support girls who would require their assistance to excel in STEM-related disciplines.
“This is a journey we have started with these children and obviously is not going to end here. We are interested in their progression and for those that would require our continuous support and encouragement; we are ready to provide the necessary assistance.”
Afrikids Ghana started an intervention in 2011 to encourage girls to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics by forming STEM clubs for girls in 20 Junior High Schools in two districts in the Upper East Region. The two districts are Bolgatanga Municipal and Builsa South District.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Osuman Kaapore Tahiru|Ghana
