Macmillan celebrates Day of Women, Girls in Science
MBABANE - Every year, on February 11, the United Nations designates an International Day for Women and Girls in Science.
This day is used to raise awareness about the significant barriers many women and girls around the world face within the Science field.
Macmillan, in partnership with women engineering, celebrated this day in style, by inviting pupils from rural areas to offer them well-needed information with regard to the Science subject, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), to be precise.
The main aim is to help share and break down the career opportunities that come with being a Science pupil and the opportunities that await them. Professional e[perts in the Science Department were invited to help impart knowledge to the learners.
Selection
Four schools were selected, among learners doing Form IV and V. The main criterion of the selection process, in each school, was to choose five pupils who performed well in science subjects. The selected schools are Duze, Hlutse, Siphofaneni and Phonjwane high schools.
Macmillian Managing Director (MD) %ongani Motsa, represented by $dmin Manager Lawrance Mutyaba, said “This day holds immense significance, as we celebrate the invaluable contribution of women and girls to the field of Science and highlight the importance of fostering their leadership in shaping a sustainable future.”
The MD said as Macmillan, they were immensely proud to be part of an industry that played a crucial role in nurturing the ne[t generation of scientists, innovators and leaders. “For us as a country, our specific theme is closing the gender gap in Science by accelerating action,” he said.
“Let us use this day as a catalyst for action and change. Let us commit ourselves to empowering woman and girls in Science, nurturing their leadership potential and creating a brighter and more sustainable future for all. Together we can truly make a difference,” said Motsa.
$mong the guests present were Senior Inspector for Mathematics, .hanyisile Mukwena, Dr Mary %asumbuko, C$S Coordinator of Waterford .amhlaba Fanele Chester and humanitarian Sinikiwe Dlamini.
Breakdown
Chester helped give a breakdown analysis of what STEM represents Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Women in the STEM field basically means women getting access to education in this field. Fakudze further gave a career breakdown of what you can do with each subject.
Senior Inspector for Mathematics, Mukwena, said “This day shows that Science is doable. It is beautiful to see the girl child taking the baton in the Science field.”
She cautioned the girl child, that they should respect themselves in school and not be easily captivated by the pleasures of this world. This is a great initiative, and we hope Macmillan will continue to empower learners in schools.