By Elizabeth Osayande

Lagos State University of Education, LASUED took a bold stand for women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) during the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025. The event, hosted across its Oto/Ijanikin and Odo-Noforija campuses, was organized by the LASUED chapter of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World, OWSD, and brought together esteemed scientists, educators, policymakers, and students to advocate for gender equity in scientific fields.

In her opening remarks, Vice-Chancellor of LASUED, Professor Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye, underscored the pivotal role women play in advancing scientific progress while acknowledging the ongoing barriers they face.

“Women are at the forefront of scientific advancement, yet they encounter persistent challenges,” she stated, highlighting the mission of OWSD— a UNESCO initiative aimed at breaking barriers for women in science, particularly in developing countries.

With the event themed “Accelerate Action,” Professor Lafiaji-Okuneye emphasised the necessity for actionable steps to dismantle socio-cultural barriers, institutional biases, and funding limitations that restrict women’s involvement in STEM.

“The time for incremental progress is past. The time for accelerated, transformative action is now,” she declared passionately.

“We must move beyond merely recognizing challenges and actively work to dismantle them through mentorship, awareness, research funding, and strategic partnerships.”

She posed critical questions to attendees: “How can we strengthen OWSD chapters? How can we retain and globally recognize talented women scientists? And in what ways can digital technologies serve as catalysts for gender inclusion in STEM?”

The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Professor Taofikat A. Adesalu from the University of Lagos, Dr. Ogundare Oyinlade Cecilia from LASUSTECH, and Mrs. Okesola Omorolayo, a Food Safety & Hygiene Professional at Perfetti Van Melle Nigeria. Their insights provided a framework for actionable strategies to enhance women’s participation and leadership in the sciences.

Expressing gratitude for the organising committee’s commitment, Professor Lafiaji-Okuneye recognized the efforts of Dr. Aderonke Margaret Oginni, the Coordinator of the OWSD LASUED Branch, and her team. “It’s inspiring to see such dedication toward empowering women in science,” she added.

As discussions unfolded throughout the day, a powerful message resonated: women must not only participate in science but also lead, innovate, and shape the trajectory of scientific discovery in Africa and beyond. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from LASUED and its partners to foster a thriving ecosystem for women in STEM, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and valued in shaping the future of science.