Accra, Aug. 16, GNA - Madam Hawawu Boya Gariba, Deputy Minister of Women and Children's Affairs (MOWAC), on Monday, urged girls to aspire to attain higher levels of education.

She noted that educated women tended to contribute to national development immensely because they inculcate in their children the values needed personally and for social development in the country.

"World Bank research has shown that women with few years of basic education are economically more productive than those who have not had education at all," she added.

Madam Gariba made the call, when addressing the opening session of the third edition of the annual Girls' Science, Mathematics and Technology (SMAT) Camp in Accra.

The six-day camp, organised by the management of Camfed Ghana, a girls-oriented NGO, brought together 100 Senior High School girls from the Tamale Metropolis, Karaga, Chereponi, Naunumba North and South Districts all in the Northern Region.

Activities at the camp would include interaction with successful women in the sciences, young women from the universities, science quiz and visits to industries, to observe the application of science.

She appealed to parents to endeavour to support their girls whenever they expressed interest in science.

"It is pathetic that girls in Africa had often been associated with the kitchen. I would therefore urge parents to help fight against this notion, since it does not speak well of us," she said.

Madam Gariba noted that women in leadership positions had good managerial abilities and more likely to train others to be like them.

She pointed out that educated women operated better standards and built up the human resource and technological development of every nation.

Madam Gariba urged the students to take their studies serious and eschew any phobia that they might have for science and mathematics.

Mrs Delores Dickson, Executive Director of Camfed Ghana said the camp is organised annually for a selection of needy but brilliant science girls, who are supported financially by the management of Camfed.

"The aim is to boost women interest and achievement in science, mathematics and technology, especially women from the rural areas," she said.

Mrs Dickson announced that in October this year, management of Camfed would launch its programmes in Upper East and Central Regions, to extend its services to more girls living in the poorest Regions in the country.

She urged the girls, who had been camped in Labone Secondary School, to study hard to be able to make the needed grades that would qualify them to pursue science courses at the universities and other tertiary institutions.