Girls Advocate for Mentorship to Bridge Gender Gap in Science

In commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, senior secondary School girls at Community Secondary School Aluu (CSS Aluu) in Rivers State have called for increased mentorship from successful female science and technology professionals.
The girls said mentorship was crucial to address the persistent gender imbalance in Science Technology, Engineering and Medicine (STEM) fields.
Miss Nyewem Precious, a fifth-year science student, highlighted the belief that science and technology are ‘masculine’ domains, contributing to fewer girls pursuing these subjects.
She noted that even those who initially chose science often switched to arts disciplines in higher education due to perceived societal expectations. They also pointed that lack of science facilities in schools like the lack of adequate laboratory equipment as a deterrent.
Precious said mentorship from successful female STEM graduates, sharing their personal journeys and inspiring younger girls, would be highly effective.
She also urged the government and relevant organizations to invest in well-equipped science laboratories.
“I love being a science student because we are more knowledgeable,” Precious stated. “What can encourage other girls to take up science is if more girls are sensitized and mentored. Science is 90 percent practical and 10 percent theory.”
Emmanuella Nnamdi, another fifth-year science student, attributed the gender gap to the perception that science is too difficult and to parental pressure. She also cited a lack of seriousness among some female students.
“I am in a science class because I think the world exists by science,” Emmanuella said. “Women who are already doing well in science and engineering should mentor younger students.”
Mr. Austin Korienta, a chemistry teacher at CSS Aluu, echoed these sentiments, blaming parental attitudes for perpetuating the myth that science is for boys. He called for collective efforts to encourage girls to pursue STEM careers and emphasized the need for well-equipped laboratories.
“Parents have their duties in regards to improving on this disparity,” Korienta said. “Every school that intends to raise science students should have a standard laboratory.”
Dr. Mrs. Silverline Igweagbara, a lecturer at Ignatius Ajuru University, attributed the gender imbalance to religious beliefs that portray women as “weaker” and therefore less suited for demanding fields like science and technology. She urged girls to challenge these stereotypes and pursue their interests with confidence.
“I want our girls to have confidence,” Dr. Igweagbara said. “Take up science or tech skills to prove your intelligence.”
The girls’ call for mentorship aligns with the 10th International Day of Women and Girls in Science theme, “Charting Progress to shape the future: the best is yet to come,” with a focus on “Celebrate women’s leadership in science as a new era for sustainability.”
They are advocating for a future where girls are empowered to excel in STEM fields and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable world.