On Monday, 9th January 2023, executives from the Women in STEM (WiSTEM) Association paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology at our complex in Bijilo. Significant discussions regarding women and girls’ empowerment in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields were discussed.
The President of the Women in STEM Association, Engineer Kodou Jeng-Gaye, explained that the association is legally registered in The Gambia and plans are being made for its launching soon. The main objectives of the Association are to promote the study and practice of STEM among girls in The Gambia; provide mentorship for female students and fresh graduates; organize outreach programs in senior secondary schools, tertiary institutions and universities; and conduct annual award nights, among others.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary, Admin and Finance, Madi O. Jatta received the team on behalf of the Ministry. He expressed delight at the courtesy visit and commended WiSTEM for the good initiative. He underlined 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 similarly visit the new University of Applied Science Engineering and Technology (USET) as part of their outreach program to motivate students and give career advice which will be beneficial for their future.
The Ministry looks forward to collaborating more with WiSTEM in developing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in The Gambia.
