Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in an era of inclusion in the DRC

Celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in the Era of Inclusion in the DR The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated annually on February 11. The purpose of this day is to promote and increase the participation of women and girls in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This year marks the tenth anniversary of this day, under the theme: “Diversity and Innovation: Women Building an Inclusive Scientific Future,” proclaimed in 2015 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the government recently issued a call for expressions of interest to recruit technical assistance to design and implement girls’ clubs in secondary schools across the five target provinces. This initiative aims to promote education, prevent gender-based violence, and foster the empowerment of adolescent girls. Through its educational reforms, notably the provision of free primary education, the Congolese government has incorporated the Girls’ Learning and Empowerment Project (PAAF) into its action plan. This program aims to support students’ transition to secondary school, with a particular focus on girls’ education. Among its main objectives, the PAAF provides scholarships to girls, recruits new female teachers, and improves school infrastructure. This includes the construction of more than 2,000 classrooms and the installation of sanitation facilities adapted to menstrual hygiene needs. This day is an opportunity to highlight the importance of including women and girls in science, in order to build a more equitable and innovative future for all. Fadi Ndanga