WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE

PAULYN R. ESPINO

The Department of Education (DepEd) recently gathered around 500 female learners and teachers to celebrate the 2024 International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

During the gathering, the agency underscored the importance of involvement, diversity, and access of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field.

The event featured activities promoting equality, science and technology, and environmental conservation, highlighting student exhibitors who showcased their projects and inventions that won them awards in their schools.

Officials have urged stakeholders to champion the cause of gender equality and build a future where every girl and woman can reach for the stars and unleash their scientific potential.

They also underscored the significant shift of enrollees in the STEM programs of DepEd. Reports show that in Manila, 51% of STEM program enrollees are girls, signaling the narrowing of gender gaps in science and technology among girls and boys.

Additionally, the program also highlighted the efforts of DepEd partners in ensuring that girls were given the same importance, opportunities, and platforms in the male-dominated field.

Executives from partner organizations and agencies like the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Inc., FELTA Multimedia Inc., Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), UNILAB Foundation Inc., Department of Science and Technology (DOST), STI Education, and Empower Ability gave presentations on how their organizations and agencies can act as a springboard for female learners who wishes to pursue further education and careers in STEM.

Afterward, the learners were given an opportunity to ask the guest panelists questions during the program’s open forum part.

Member learners and teachers for Youth for Environment in Schools (YES-O) are also invited to the event as the program kicked off with an onsite eco-tour.

In this tour, the 35 participants were guided to facilities on solid waste management, water conservation, energy efficiency, and air quality programs. The eco-tour aims to inspire these YES-O officials and members to take part in the responsibility and caring for the environment.

-oOoThe author is SST - III at POTRERO NHS, Bulaon Resettlement Site, City of San

Fernando