The executives of the Women in STEM (WiSTEM), an association that aimed to promote the study and practice of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) among girls in The Gambia, recently visited the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) in Bijilo, for a discussion on women and girls’ empowerment in the STEM fields.
The President of the WiSTEM, engineer Kodou Jeng-Gaye, informed that the association is legally registered in The Gambia and that plans are being made for its official launching.
She explained that WiSTEM aims to provide mentorship for female students and fresh graduates; organise outreach programmes in senior secondary schools, tertiary institutions and universities; and to conduct annual award nights, among others.
On receiving the team on behalf of the Ministry, the Deputy Permanent Secretary, Admin and Finance, at MoHERST, Madi O. Jatta, expressed delight at the courtesy visit and commended WiSTEM for the good initiative. He affirmed that the objectives of the Association are in line with the Ministry’s strategic plan of promoting STEM in tertiary and higher education institutions, especially for girls.
Mucktarr M.Y Darboe, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Technical, encouraged the Association to work towards engaging more partners towards the implementation of significant projects.
Samba Sowe, Director of Science, Technology and Innovation also advised WiSTEM to visit the new University of Applied Science Engineering and Technology (USET) as part of their outreach programme to motivate students and give career advice which will be beneficial for their future.
The Ministry promises to collaborate more with WiSTEM in developing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in The Gambia.
