Accra, (Greater Accra) 11 Jan '99,

The Gender and Science and Technology (GASAT) Association will hold its ninth International Conference in Accra, from July 4 to July 9, to discuss interventions regarding gender in science and technology since 1996.

The conference, to be held in Africa for the first time, will give participants the opportunity to present and discuss interventions regarding gender in science and technology since the 1995 Beijing International Conference on Women.

It will be under the theme; "From policy to action in gender, science and technology for sustainable development in the 21st century."

The conference convenor, Mrs Georgina Quaisie, told newsmen in Accra today that Ghana was chosen as the first African country to host GASAT because it has for several years been involved in the promotion of activities for girls in science, mathematics and technology through its annual science clinic for girls in second cycles.

Ghana was also chosen because of the success in Female Education in Mathematics and Science in Africa (FEMSA) pilot project.

FEMSA is a project that aims at improving the performance of girls in mathematics and science at primary and secondary school levels.

Mrs Quaisie, who is also the National Co-ordinator of the FEMSA project said the United Nations General Secretary, Kofi Annan will be expected to address the conference.

Mrs Quaisie said the last conference, "GASAT 8", which was held in India was the first to be held in a developing country. "It was there that it was proposed that the ninth be convened in another developing country, this time in Africa.''

The major sponsors for the conference include the Norwegian Agency for International Development (NORAD), the Rockefeller Foundation, UNESCO, UNICEF and USAID.

Local supporting agencies include the Girls Education Unit, Ghana Education Service, Ghana National Council for Women and Development, Ghana Science Association, the Forum for African Women Educationists, and the 31st December Women's Movement among others.

She said GASAT international conferences are held every two to three years and have been central in establishing strong and influential networks of individuals and organisations that are engaged in research and grassroots activities that promote gender equity in science and technology.

Mrs Quaisie said the six day GASAT conference will tackle issues relating to education and training, gender issues in employment and work, environment, natural resources and waste management and gender issues in information and new technologies.

It will also look at valuing women's knowledge and skills and mainstreaming gender into science and technology.

About 300 participants are expected from some 40 countries.