mentorship to tackle under representation of women in stem – VC

The vice chancellor of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University in Delta, Prof. Ibiyinka Fuwape, has underlined the value of mentorship in tackling the under-representation of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professions.

In an interview in Abuja on Monday, Fuwape outlined several factors that could increase female representation in STEM, including enhanced educational facilities and teacher capacity building.

Fuwape pointed out that the under-representation of girls in STEM fields is discouraging and detrimental to national development.

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She cited statistics indicating a gender gap in hard sciences like physics, mathematics, and engineering.

“The problem is that there is a cultural belief that STEM fields are difficult and that the female brain is inferior to the male brain, which is not true,” Fuwape stated.

“The female brain is not inferior; it is about placing girls in the right environment to thrive, and they will excel.”

Fuwape attributed the challenge to parenting practices and the lack of female role models in STEM jobs.

She highlighted how traditional gender roles are reinforced from childhood through the types of toys given to boys and girls.

“The way we bring up our children is flawed. From childhood, we indirectly register into their minds that boys should engage with technical toys while girls should cater to children and the kitchen. We should give both sexes the same level of upbringing,” she said.

The Vice Chancellor called on stakeholders to identify measures to increase female participation in hard STEM careers for sustainable development.

She also urged governments at all levels to address the factors hindering girl-child education.