The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology says it is committed to promote science subjects among the girls in the country.

Spokesperson for the ministry, Lindiwe Chide, said the ministry has put in place strategies to give more room to girls to take part in science related subjects.

She made the remarks as the world was commemorating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on Sunday.

Chide said: “Among other things we are upgrading science teachers with the aim of improving their skills to ensure effective delivery.”

She added that they are also organizing science camps whereby girls from different schools are drawn together to share ideas on issues to do with science.

Chide said the ministry also invites women role models who have exceled in science subjects to motivate the girls.

Recently the ministry changed the school curriculum a development which Chide said made the subjects compulsory for all students.

The idea for an International Day of Women and Girls in Science was generated during the first High-Level of World Women’s Health and Development Forum organized by Royal Academy of Science International Trust and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which was held on February 11, 2015 at the United Nations Headquarters.

According to a study conducted in 14 countries, the probability for female students to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and Doctor’s degree in science-related fields are 18%, 8% and 2% respectively, while the percentages of male students are 37%, 18% and 6% respectively.

This year’s day was being commemorated under the theme “Equality and Parity in Science for Peace and Development”.