KAMPALA — The government should prioritize investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to support women and girls embrace science and technology, said Martha Ndagire, the head of programmes and media relations at High Sound for Children.
In an International Women’s Day statement released on March 8, Ms. Ndagire said teaching of science and technology needs to start at lower education levels to help close gender gaps in innovations.
“We urged the government to increase investment in the advancement of gender equality in innovations, technological change, and education in the digital age through budget allocation to enhance the teaching of sciences in both primary and secondary schools,” the statement indicated.
She said that the country should use both the international and national themes to to celebrate the terrific efforts by women and girls in shaping an equal future, as well as highlighting the gaps that continue to trouble them across Uganda.
“We also ask the government of Uganda through line ministries such as The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance is a cabinet ministry of Uganda, The Ministry of Education and Sports, and The Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to facilitate public education programs on career guidance to encourage women and girls embrace STEM in their day-to-day operations”.
Every March 8, the United Nations and the entire World comes together to commemorate the International Women’s day.
This year, whose the National theme is “Equal Opportunities in Education, Science and Technology for Innovation and a gender equal future” is being celebrated in Sanga, Kiruhura District.
The day has its origins in the struggle by women for social change and to be able to participate on equal terms with men in social, political and economic processes.
