From the lab to the stars
The Goethe-Institute Namibia in collaboration with the European Union delegation to Namibia and the Spanish Embassy held an event at the institute on Monday to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
The event showcased behind-the-scenes science gadgets invented by girls from various schools in the capital. The participants, representing their respective schools, each had Saturday (8 February) to create a unique science project for the event. These gadgets had to showcase innovation and mindfulness in creating cutting-edge technology using solar energy to solve real-world problems.
The EU Delegation's political officer in Windhoek, Shannon Monaghan, said at the event how the time has come for young women to show their creativity and determination in designing and building solar-powered gadgets. She added that their work reflects both ingenuity and sustainability, which are qualities that will drive the future of technology and development.
“Women and girls play a critical role in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM),” Monaghan said.
She stated that although women and girls' contributions are often overlooked, "we want to encourage them to pursue careers in science and celebrate their achievements".
According to Monaghan, the EU delegation is proud to support the participating girls for their initiatives even though the fairer sex remains underrepresented in STEM.
“The tangible outcomes of this workshop are a reminder that when young women are given the tools, mentorship and encouragement, they rise to the challenge,” Monaghan said
Creations
Esmé Ndalikokuke, a student from St. Paul's College, said she and her group are thankful for the opportunity to showcase their project that they began working on on Saturday.
“My group came up with a solar-powered pan where we use Namibia's abundant sunshine to create a more reliable, safer and cleaner solution to cooking,” Ndalikokuke said, adding that their main focus is on rural areas, although it can also be implemented in everyday activities like braaiing with your family.
Chantè Nel, another student from St. Paul's, said that science has always been her way of expressing herself. “Growing up, I see so many strong females, like my doctor. I look up to people in roles like that in science.”
Nel said that the workshop training provided her with this opportunity to be exposed to the field of biomedical engineering. “With so few women in science fields, I have to work much harder than males,” she said
Nel said that as a girl in science, many people see you as not being confident enough. "As a nervous person, having my voice heard through science, helps build my confidence.
The event showcased behind-the-scenes science gadgets invented by girls from various schools in the capital. The participants, representing their respective schools, each had Saturday (8 February) to create a unique science project for the event. These gadgets had to showcase innovation and mindfulness in creating cutting-edge technology using solar energy to solve real-world problems.
The EU Delegation's political officer in Windhoek, Shannon Monaghan, said at the event how the time has come for young women to show their creativity and determination in designing and building solar-powered gadgets. She added that their work reflects both ingenuity and sustainability, which are qualities that will drive the future of technology and development.
“Women and girls play a critical role in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM),” Monaghan said.
She stated that although women and girls' contributions are often overlooked, "we want to encourage them to pursue careers in science and celebrate their achievements".
According to Monaghan, the EU delegation is proud to support the participating girls for their initiatives even though the fairer sex remains underrepresented in STEM.
“The tangible outcomes of this workshop are a reminder that when young women are given the tools, mentorship and encouragement, they rise to the challenge,” Monaghan said
Creations
Esmé Ndalikokuke, a student from St. Paul's College, said she and her group are thankful for the opportunity to showcase their project that they began working on on Saturday.
“My group came up with a solar-powered pan where we use Namibia's abundant sunshine to create a more reliable, safer and cleaner solution to cooking,” Ndalikokuke said, adding that their main focus is on rural areas, although it can also be implemented in everyday activities like braaiing with your family.
Chantè Nel, another student from St. Paul's, said that science has always been her way of expressing herself. “Growing up, I see so many strong females, like my doctor. I look up to people in roles like that in science.”
Nel said that the workshop training provided her with this opportunity to be exposed to the field of biomedical engineering. “With so few women in science fields, I have to work much harder than males,” she said
Nel said that as a girl in science, many people see you as not being confident enough. "As a nervous person, having my voice heard through science, helps build my confidence.
