KIGALI, Feb. 11 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to supporting girls and women scientists as well as expanding access to education and training opportunities in science and technology during celebrations to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science which falls on Feb. 11.
The event in the Rwandan capital of Kigali featured discussions centered on women and girls in science and technology, with female role models among the participants.
"Science is a powerful tool that can help us to understand and improve the world around us, and it is essential that women and girls have the opportunity to participate in this field and make their own contribution," said Rwandan Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Jeannette Bayisenge at the event.
The day was marked under the theme "I.D.E.A.S Innovate. Demonstrate. Elevate. Advance. Sustain: Bringing everyone forward for sustainable and equitable development."
"By empowering women and girls to participate in science, we are not only improving the lives of individual women and girls but also benefiting society as a whole. We can look forward to a future where women and girls are represented at all levels of the scientific enterprise and where their contributions are valued and respected," Bayisenge added.
The minister urged parents to overcome stereotypes and gender bias that often discourage women and girls from pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers.
"It starts from homes; empower girls to start careers in science by providing necessary resources, support, and encouragement in order to increase the number of females doing STEM education," she said.
Eugene Mutimura, executive secretary of Rwanda's National Council for Science and Technology, also stressed the need to expand access to STEM education and technology training opportunities.
