By Maimuna Sey-Jawo
Fifteen schools across the Greater Banjul Area have joined the Medical Research Council the Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to mark the international day of Women and Girls in Science.
The day was celebrated under the theme ‘Opening Doors, closing the gender Gap’.
According to the MRCG officials, the proportion of male to female leadership in the field remains heavily skewed towards men.
In his welcoming address, the MRC Director Dr. Umberto D’Alessandro stressed that in Africa, challenges for women begin early as chances of getting into the university are five times lower for women than for men.
“To help closing the gender gap in Africa, both women themselves and men need to perceive women as intellectually equal.
“MRC unit The Gambia at LSHTM aims to educate the boys and girls about the significant accomplishments of female leaders in global health in sub Saharan Africa and to illustrate the career opportunities that are available in science,” he said.
Dr. Anna Roca from MRCG said the role of women in science is fundamental key, saying there is need to encourage more women in the involvement of science.
She challenged the youths, particularly the young girls to be more proactive in science to better bridge the gaps.
Dr. Anna said science is very important for human progress in our society.
The UK ambassador to The Gambia, Sharon Wardle, expressed gratitude to associate herself with the celebration of international day of women and girls in science, describing it as very important for her.
