Encourage girls to study science subjects, Mkenda calls

MINISTER for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adolf Mkenda has said that there is a need to improve the studying environment to encourage girls to study science subjects.

He said this during the International Day for Women and Girls in Science at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) on Sunday. Prof Mkenda noted that the number of girls and women taking science subjects is still low, calling upon stakeholders in collaboration with the government to address this challenge practically.

“We need to do anything possible to ensure that more girls opt for science subjects or courses and we must promote those scientist women as a testimony to encourage girls to study science,” he said.

According to him, there are still great employment opportunities in science fields so girls and boys have to opt for the subjects.

“We are currently reviewing the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy so that it gives us the direction as a country in this area,” he said.

On her side, the president of Tanzania Nuclear Women Unit, Professor Najat Mohamed, who is also an expert in nuclear physics, called upon all stakeholders in collaboration with the government to empower girls to achieve their dreams.

Prof Najat urged teachers to inspire girls to acquire leadership positions and while at home they should also be given chances to speak as part of building their confidence. Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, James Mdoe said the day started to be celebrated in the country at the national level in 2021.

He said as part of activities to celebrate the day, the Ministry visited primary and secondary schools to encourage women and girls to study science and to participate fully in the development of the country.

Mdoe said that about 10,000 secondary school students and 1,000 primary school students in nine regions were visited