AUST Reaffirms Commitment To Gender Equality On International Women And Girls In Science Day

Abuja, March 8, 2025 –  The African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja, is set to mark the International Women’s Day with a special event on Tuesday, March 11, aimed at encouraging more girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Themed “Encouraging Girls and Women in Science: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures,” the event  will bring together the government , students, faculty, and captains of industry to discuss strategies for increasing female participation in STEM related fields.

The program will feature  panel discussions, mentorship sessions, and hands-on workshops designed to inspire young girls and  women to embrace careers in science.

According to the event coordinator, Dr. Odette Ngasoh Anye who is also a resident faculty in the Mechanical Engineering Department, highlighted AUST’s ongoing efforts to foster gender equality in STEM.

She cited initiatives such as outreach programs for young girls, scholarships for female students, equal opportunities in admissions and hiring, and the recognition of women’s achievements in scientific fields.

“As we approach the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline, we must accelerate progress toward gender equality,” Dr. Anye said.

She called for stronger policies to promote inclusive employment, increase female representation in decision-making roles, and celebrate women’s contributions to science and technology.

A key highlight of the event would be the International Women Accelerated initiative, which focuses on equipping women with leadership skills, aligning their career aspirations with available opportunities, and addressing the challenges women face in STEM.

To mark the Girls In Science Day which coincided  with the International Women's day, some AUST Students  and participants shared their experiences, with many expressing renewed confidence in their future.

Angel Chukwudi-Denis, a 100-level Mechanical Engineering student, said, “Seeing successful women in science and having access to mentors make me believe I can achieve my dreams.”

As part of its continued commitment to gender inclusivity, AUST’s Gender Committee has announced a follow-up program featuring a talk show on “Social Media’s Influence on Modern Relationships, Work-Life Balance, and Personal Well-being.” The event is scheduled for March 11, 2025, at NNPC Hall, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.

The celebration concluded with a call to action for policymakers, educators, and industry leaders to invest in initiatives that support women in STEM. With institutions like AUST leading the way, the future for women in science and technology across Africa looks increasingly promising.