The Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina J. Mohammed has called for the need to educate more girls in Science Technology Economics and Mathematics (STEM) to increase access in digital banking.
Speaking during the 40th anniversary of the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), Mohammed said involvement of women in the STEM sector would create job opportunities and increase socio-economic activities in the country.
In a virtual address, she stated that stereotypes have been used to hinder women from attaining senior management roles in engineering companies.
“STEM education is key to achieving women’s economic rights by spreading digital banking including in rural areas and creating new income and job opportunities to overcome the gender divide.
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“We must harness the potential of our women and girls to pursue study in careers in STEM to transform our societies and the achievements of sustainable development. Powerful stereotypes have long hindered women’s careers in science and engineering and today 22 per cent of STEM graduates are female and this must change.
“I would like to call on the government and the private sector in the stem sector to help narrow the gender digital divide. To help eliminate gender bias in leadership roles”.
Earlier, the President of APWEN, Engr. Elizabeth Jumoke Eterigho, said female engineers are catalysts for progress and agents of empowerment.
She said with engineering the bedrock of innovation and technology, it is pertinent to allow women to contribute to the sector.
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