The future of science is female
Promoting science paths among Namibian girls
In celebration of this year's International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a week's worth of activities are underway to promote and highlight career paths in science for Namibian girls and women.On Wednesday the young ladies between 14 and 16, visited the University of Namibia's Neudamm Campus, where they toured the farm and laboratories.
University lecturers and staff have also prepared hands-on practical laboratory sessions. These activities emphasise the agricultural applications of science in areas of animal nutrition, biochemistry and value addition to meat products, as well as provide university entry requirements for programmes in the Faculty of Agriculture, Engineering and Natural Sciences.
A civil engineer from the Organisation for Women in Science for Developing World Namibia National Chapter will give a motivational speech for aspiring engineers along with an interactive session to stimulate mathematics, science and entrepreneurial skills among the learners.
Thursday (9 February) is reserved for activities at the main campus where the girls tour laboratories and participate in scientific and practical laboratory sessions in the biotechnology and biochemistry laboratories, mammalian cell culture, microbiology, tissue culture and others.
Participants of the round table can use this opportunity to share their experiences, challenges, and success with the students and learners, as well as answer any questions related to various STEM career paths.
The theme for this year's International Day of Women and Girls in Science focuses on the role that women and girls play as it relates to the Sustainable Development Goals. The participants will concentrate on this theme and bring in aspects of the future of STEM in Namibia.
The round table takes place on Friday (10 February) at the UNAM gymnasium and is intended for university girls in scientific and technical paths.
The activities are hosted by the University of Namibia, with the support of the Embassy of Spain in Windhoek, Omeva Consulting, the Namibia Association for Women in Science, the Organisation for Women in Science for Developing World and the Ministry of Education.