Girls Science Clubs Hold Durbar

The Ghana Girls science Clubs on Monday held a durbar at the St. Salvanos Basic school in Pokuasi near Accra to showcase to parents and the general public some basic laboratory tests they have learnt through their various engagements at their club meetings.

The event brought together seven basic schools from around Accra. The girls, who were all members of the Girls Science Club gathered to portray to parents and stakeholders the importance of girls involvement in science.

They explained that " the development of Ghana depends on improvements in educational access, and a transformation of teaching and learning". And added that, "Science, engineering and technology is best grasped through hands-on learning".

Petrine Addae, Country Director of Africa Women Advocacy Project, the body that sponsor the activities of Girls Science Clubs explained that " women are gravely underrepresented in Science, engineering and technology studies and careers, because they lack confidence and encouragement". She said science programs open to everyone seldom have equal representation of boys and girls, further disadvantaging young women.

The training of women in science, that is championed by Africa Woman Advocacy (AWAP) Project alert teachers to their personal bias against girls, so they will be more alert to their practice at school, and also become advocates in their community.

Speaking as the chairperson at the durbar, Prof.Mrs. Esi Awuah encouraged the girls to keep working hard at school so that they don't drop out of the education system.

She commended AWAP for their contribution towards women empowerment through science.

Director of Department of Children, Ministry of Gender Children and social protection, Helen Obeng Asamoah, who delivered a speech on behalf of the sector Minister said " girls face discrimination, violence and abuse everyday and empowering them is a moral imperative, a matter of human justice and equality critical for achieving the Millennium Development goals".

She added that " we stand to gain so much if we expose girls to the field of science and technology by creating environments that are inviting and attractive. There is a great need to maintain their interest in the field in-school and out-of-school programs".