OWSD-UNILAG Celebrates Women in Science, Honours Retired Members

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Branch of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) held its ninth (9^th) International Day of Women and Girls in Science event on Thursday, February 29, 2024.

Held at the Faculty of Science Boardroom, the theme of the event was, Women and Girls in Science Leadership, A New Era for Sustainability: Think Science … Think Peace; and had in attendance students, staff, members of OWSD UNILAG chapter, and other women from all walks of life.

The Coordinator of OWSD-UNILAG, Dr. Taofikat Adesalu averred that the 9^th annual anniversary celebration is a unique one as it would be the last in her role as Coordinator. She enumerated the efforts of the current leadership in ensuring that it addressed the gender gap in science-related fields, and encouraged more women and girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

She gave an account of her stewardship, describing her time as Coordinator as tremendous, time-consuming, and eventful. She encouraged the young students present at the event to make the most of the occasion, in terms of learning and connecting with older scientists for mentorship.

On her part, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Olasumbo Olusanya averred that over the years, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Chapter of OWSD has successfully organised annual events to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education among female secondary school students in Lagos. With the Chapter’s target audience being girls in secondary schools, she revealed that participation in these events has been drawn from several districts in Lagos State.

According to her, a girl-child education can be seen as a form of knowledge imparted to a young female child in order to increase her sense of dignity and self-respect. She posited that the Association will continue to do more for girls to be imparted.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, was represented at the event by a former Director of the Distance Learning Institute, UNILAG, Professor Uchenna Udeani. She congratulated OWSD-UNILAG for raising awareness about the importance of gender equality in STEM fields.

She highlighted the achievements of women in Science, noting that their strides play a crucial role in breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating a more inclusive environment for women and girls pursuing careers in science.

The Vice-Chancellor, who is also a member of the Association, reiterated her commitment to supporting OWSD and its activities on campus.

There were also two lectures delivered at the event that addressed issues that affect women and girls. First was by Dr. Idongesit Eshiet, an Associate Professor and Gender and Development Expert at the Department of Sociology, University of Lagos (UNILAG).

With her presentation on Gender-Based Violence: Vulnerability of the Girl-Child to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA), she posited that Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a significant global issue that disproportionately affects women and girls. According to her, GBV includes any harmful act perpetrated against individuals based on their gender, which often results in physical, sexual, or psychological harm.

In her words, “Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) against women and girls is a pervasive issue globally, with significant physical, psychological, and social consequences for survivors. It is crucial to highlight the prevalence of SGBV to raise awareness about the magnitude of the problem”.

On her part, Dr. Omolola Salako, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Radiation Biology, Radiotherapy, and Radiodiagnosis, spoke on the topic, “Cervical Cancer: All You Need to Know”.

She defined Cervical Cancer as a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina and that is usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. She submitted that with regular screening and early detection, it can be prevented and treated effectively.

According to her, efforts are being put in place to avert the infection, as the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) vaccinated 484,761 women and girls against HPV in 3months.

Highlight of the event was the recognition of members of OWSD-UNILAG who recently retired from the services of the University of Lagos. They include Professor Joy Okpuzor and Professor Rosemary Egonmwan.

One of them, Professor Joy Okpuzor as part of her celebration and commitment to supporting young female scientists, presented stipends of Twenty-Five Thousand Naira each to two (2) indigent students. They are Oboh, Jennifer Aigberin of Cell Biology and Genetics, and Ms. Boluwatife James of Botany.

The Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) is a programme unit of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). It was founded in 1987 and operates from the offices of the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), in Trieste, Italy.

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science event is a global initiative that holds annually with the aim to promote full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls.

Report: Bayo Salau

Photographs: Islamiat Akanni