Women Encouraged to Lead in STEM Fields

Women in science have been encouraged to confront gender bias with confidence, assertiveness, and collaboration to advance their careers and occupy leadership roles. The call was made at the 2026 IUPAC Global Women’s Breakfast, organised by Women in Chemistry (WIC) under the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), held at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) in Effurun, Delta State.

Themed “Many Voices, One Science,” the event brought together women chemists, educators, students, and professionals from around the world to share strategies for success and promote gender equality in science. Prof Doris Ogeleka, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at FUPRE, identified gender bias as a significant barrier and urged women to speak up and assert themselves.

WIC Coordinator Dr Sarah Nwinee appealed to agencies, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and North East Development Commission (NEDC), to prioritise science education by providing schools with functional laboratories. Prof Mary Edema of FUPRE described WIC as a platform for mentorship, research collaboration, and motivating young girls to see chemistry as an achievable career.

The programme also featured a quiz competition among secondary schools in Delta State. College of Education Demonstration Secondary School won N250,000, Ogbe Secondary School took N150,000, and Challenge Academy placed third with N100,000, highlighting the event’s commitment to nurturing future scientists.