By Valentine Amanze, Online Editor
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has commended the contributions of women scientists, researchers, medical practitioners and volunteers at the forefront of governments’ efforts to contain the second wave of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The governor, who acknowledged the sacrifice and important roles played by women in curbing the spread of the virus and providing care for the sick globally in the wake of the pandemic, reassured that his government would continue to emplace policies and programmes to encourage girl -child education especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Obaseki spoke, while commemorating the 2021 International Day for Women and Girls in Science marked yearly by the United Nations (UN), with the theme, “Women Scientists at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19.”
The governor said, “We must leverage this year’s International Day for Women and Girls in Science to honour our women in different fields who have at various levels contributed immensely to tackling the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which is ravaging the world.
“From advancing the knowledge on the virus, to developing techniques for testing, and finally to creating the vaccine against the virus, the outbreak of the pandemic has clearly demonstrated the critical role of women scientists, researchers, medical personnel and others in different stages of the fight against COVID-19.”
Obaseki said that breakthroughs by women scientists in recent years across the globe have shown that when spaces are open for everyone to thrive, much can be achieved to advance the cause of mankind.
“For us in Edo, we would continue to encourage the participation of women in governance and decision-making by increasing the number of appointments made to women in our cabinet.
“Also, policies and programmes would be emplaced to encourage girl-child education especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. “Already, we are focusing on basic and technical education to ensure that our children, including boys and girls get a head-start to explore carriers in science and technology without discrimination,” the governor said.