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IUIU Female students mentored in Mathematics and Statistics

• 23rd October, 2023 2:44pm
• 2 minutes read

The Committee for Women in Mathematics of the International Mathematical Union held a hybrid workshop in titled ‘Breaking Barriers to Women and Girls in Mathematics through Networking, Collaboration and Mentorship in Sub-Saharan Africa’ for female undergraduates of Mathematics and Statistics at the Islamic University In Uganda Main Campus.

The workshop is part of a series that covers four Universities in Sub-Saharan Africa consisting of three Universities in Nigeria and IUIU, Mbale with the goal of inspiring the female students of Mathematics and Statistics of IUIU to have successful careers in the Mathematical Sciences.

One of the presenters and Coordinator of the Programme, Dr. Chinwendu Emilian Madubueze is a successful mathematician in her own right. She is currently a Post-Doctoral Fellow at York University in Canada.

Dr Queensly Chukwudum urged the participants to propagate skills, qualities, and values needed to excel in mathematics and statistics like curiosity, integrity, perseverance and diligence.

She also urged them to be approachable, ask questions and strive for excellence in all that they do.

Dr Zviiteyi Chazuka highlighted on the several career opportunities available for females studying, mathematics and statistics in the medical industry, monitoring and evaluation academics, engineering and many others.

Professor D. O. Makinde discussed the challenges faced by females putting emphasis on the stereotypes, lack of representation, institutional barriers and few role models as compared to their male counter parts.

Professor Roseline Ogunrinde also addressed the common misconceptions about mathematics with many people regarding it as a boring and abstract subject, solitary and isolating profession and that is it only done by geniuses. She empasized the need for role models to help improve the female participation in the mathematical sciences.

Several students spoke in appreciation of the impact of the seminar on their perception of careers in mathematics.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Ahmed Salisu, representing the Dean of Science, expressed the appreciation of the Faculty and University for bring the workshop to IUIU.