Dr Seyi Ogebule shares her top recommendations in honor of International Day of Women and Girls in Science
This year, we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science under the theme “Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Water Unites Us” and to commemorate, we asked Dr Seyi Ogebule to share her top 5 recommendations that highlight inclusivity of women and girls in science. Our favorite is the children’s book recommended at number two.
Dr Seyi Ogebule is an engineer, entrepreneur, and a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) advocate. She is a co-founder of the Joule Foundation, a US-based NGO that promotes STEAM educational initiatives to secondary school girls in Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Nigeria. Dr Seyi holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and works in the Technology space. She is highly engaged in philanthropic activities that promote STEAM education and has been recognized for her contributions to institutions across Africa and the United States.
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Tuck into her recommendations below!
Girls can do STEAM too - investigating the influence of a STEAM career awareness workshop on Tanzanian and Zimbabwean secondary school girls’ perception of careers in STEAM
By Dr. DeLean Tolbert. Assistant Professor @ University of Michigan-Dearborn; Founding Board Member of the Joule Foundation
This publication was based on a study by The Joule Foundation to measure the impact of its STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) career awareness workshops on participants.
The report found that the inclusion of Arts in STEAM is still a new concept for girls and more advocacy is needed to emphasize the design concepts and creativity that it brings. In addition, career awareness workshops among the surveyed population inspire students to continue pursuing STEAM education and careers.
Abby Invents Unbreakable Crayons
By Dr. Arlyne Simon
This book is an inspirational read for every child and adult. It showcases a little girl as a scientist and inventor, in a colorful and engaging manner. The illustration and main character are relatable – seeing a woman of color featured so prominently in her role as an inventor. Young readers are introduced to the concept of taking an idea to a solution. The main character’s perseverance through failed attempts of her invention was inspiring. Furthermore, the encouragement from her teacher emphasizes the need for a support system. This book encourages children to see themselves as problem solvers and innovators.
To be smart, the Digital Revolution will need to be Inclusive - Excerpt from the UNESCO Science Report
By the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
The digital revolution is here and new jobs are created every day that never existed in the past. However, women risk missing out on new opportunities due to skill gaps in technical fields. The report shows that women account for the majority of jobs that are at high risk of being automated. While the industry is moving towards more digitization, the skills needed to forge ahead will require increased technical expertise.
Furthermore, the report highlights that disadvantaged youths are less likely to pursue computer science, engineering, and other careers that are essential in the digital age. The awareness of risks and the socioeconomic factors that affect inclusivity in the world today is also highlighted by the report.
The Madame Curie Complex: The hidden story of Women in Science (Women Writing Science)
By Julie Des Jardins
Women have and will continue to make scientific progress in the world. While Marie Curie was the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize, several other women have accomplished great feats in science too. This book is a historical account of several notable women in science and how they navigated their careers over the years. It provides the historical context that may be absent when unraveling the reasons for the gender gap in science.
Cracking the code: girls' and women's education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
By the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
This report aims to uncover and examine areas that impede girls’ and women’s involvement in STEM engagements.
Bringing to the surface some key factors, the report aims to create awareness and influence policies at a micro and macro level. First, the current state, accomplishments to-date, and the future pathway for women and girls in STEM are presented. By “cracking the code”, this report digs deep into the root of the problem. And finally, interventions are identified to rectify the situation. The report is a good reference point for multiple sectors across the STEM education spectrum.