By Innocent Chunga

Nkhotakota, February 19, Mana: Forum for African Women Educationalists in Malawi (FAWEMA) says there is a need for collaboration among stakeholders to address challenges that girls and women face in science subjects under the promotion of girls' education in the country.

FAWEMA Monitoring and Evaluation Manager for Kuyenda Collective Project, Thokozani Phiri, made the remarks on Saturday at Matamangwe Primary School in Nkhotakota during the commemoration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science.

She said by addressing the learning Crisis, through the Systems Strengthening (Kuyenda Collective) Project, FAWEMA in partnership with various stakeholders is working towards addressing such challenges.

The project is being implemented in Nkhotakota and Nkhatabay districts.

"The event is meant to raise awareness on the gaps that women and girls face in science education and to assist them in voicing out their challenges," said Phiri.

According to Phiri, official statistics show that only one in five girls and women perform well in science-related subjects in the country.

She added that, as an organization, they are committed to continue supporting and encouraging girls in science subjects through various interventions.

Nkhotakota District Council Principal Education Officer, Willard Magunda, said the event was an eye opener to mobilize stakeholders in the district to play their role in girls' education.

Magunda said girls face challenges in science subjects as they lack support from household level.

"We are going to take the message further to stakeholders to make sure that we support girls in as far as science subjects are concerned," he said.

With financial support from OXFAM IBIS, through Education Outloud, FAWEMA organized the event under the theme: “Closing the Gender Gap in Science, Accelerating Action.”