International Day of Women and Girls in Science Over time, the science educational journey of women and girls has continued to evolve. From the time when women couldn't go to school, to the time when science was considered a male field of study to today where it is perfectly normal to see a female professor of molecular biology.  Currently, there are lots of women experts and researchers in various fields like space technology, AI, blockchain, neuroscience, psychiatry, radiology, quantum physics, embryology, math, chemistry and so on. More girls and women are learning science as undergraduates and more than before, women are taking advanced degrees and other forms of higher education to gain more science skills and be able to conduct research and serve humanity better. We have come a really long way, no doubt, yet it’s still not enough. Despite the massive improvements, women and girls are still underrepresented in the labs and science classes.  The UN revealed that th...

  Sitting at the edge of the bed beside Amara’s bed, Akina touched her friend’s bare shoulder. “You look pale and weak. Are you ill?” “Didn’t you hear?” Ihara said, shifting uncomfortably on the bed, and trying to sit up. “Hear what?” “I’ve become a full woman now,” she said. Akuna frowned in disgust. “You’ve been circuit.. “ “Shhhh… don’t say it out loud,” Imara chided, squeezing Akina’s free hand gently. “I thought we agreed that we won’t go through with it. Teacher said it’s not right.” “I know, AK, I know. I couldn’t say no. They overpowered me,” she whispered. Akina nodded wistfully, understanding. Their tradition was law and you had to go through with it no matter how you felt. “Does it hurt?” Akina asked, stroking her cheek tenderly. “A lot,” Imara replied, “I wish I could remove the lower part of my body and throw it away.” “Don’t say that,” Akina said, suppressing a sad smile. “Bite your lips together when they come for you,” Imara said, “It’ll make the pain hurt less.” Ak...

  This year’s International Day of Education is dedicated to girls and women in Afghanistan who have been deprived of their right to education by UNESCO. Here is a short fiction on my blog to depict the situation in Afghanistan. Afsoon writhed in pain as her mother massaged her forehead. “Lie still”, mother said. “It’ll be over before you know it.” “That’s what you said yesterday,” Afsoon replied, in between ragged breaths. “But I’m not getting any better. Why can’t daddy just take me to the hospital like he took Firash? I could hear him playing yesterday – the medicine the doctor gave did him a lot of good.” Mother smiled sadly and stroked her cheek tenderly. She was just grateful that her daughter was still in one piece. The night before, they’d been attacked by some masked men and while Afsoon was trying to argue with them (after they hurt Firash), one of them aimed at her with an axe. She attempted to dodge the blow and instead of being butchered, sustained some bruises on her ...

  Freda walked out of Mr. John’s office laughing loudly. She bumped into Gina, her colleague and friend, who wore a pronounced frown, with her hands akimbo and shook her head in disapproval. “Why were you coming out of his office like that?” Gina asked, “what did he say to make you laugh?” Freda paused and regarded Gina closely. It was unlike her to harbor I’ll feelings. So, she decided to prod. “What is your problem with Mr. John, Gee? I know you usually like people.” Gina faked a smile. “He’s a feminist. And we both know that me feminists are not all that. They’re cunny and dangerous, only after your money and the fact that you’ll always split bills. Remember Lanre, Obinna, and even Sule. That internet celebrity.. What was his nickname? Milkshake – he was just the worst! The number of complaints that came up against him eh. God forbid! Please leave John alone o. He’s just like them.” Horrified, Freda said, “Ah. No. But Mr. John is none of these things you just described! He’s act...