The Chairperson, International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists, African Regional Network, Dr Uduakobong Okon, has enjoined parents to prepare the girl child for higher responsibilities rather than packaging them for early marriage.
Speaking at a briefing to highlight the pre-African Regional Conference of International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists billed to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Okon attributed the challenges of the girl-child to parents’ adherence to African cultural beliefs.
She said parents give more preference to the male children in acquiring education in science technology and engineering while the girl-child is prepared to be a good housewife.
Okon said, “Parents are often telling their daughters not to study certain courses especially science, technology and engineering courses. They threaten their daughters a lot. They say, if you study mechanical engineering, you will not find a husband. The child becomes intimidated.” Read more