A challenge and an opportunity
In Africa, women's participation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) remains desperately low. Yet STEM plays a crucial role in the economic and social development of any country.
According to UNESCO, by 2021, only 30% of researchers in sub-Saharan Africa will be women. This proportion is even lower in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In South Africa, for example, only 13% of engineers are women, while in Nigeria the figure is even lower at 8%.
Comparison between African countries
The gap between African countries is significant. In Ethiopia, women account for 19% of STEM professionals, while in Rwanda this figure rises to 26%. In comparison, countries like Kenya and Ghana have rates of 15% and 12% respectively. These disparities can be attributed to differences in educational policies, government initiatives and levels of economic development.
Causes of under-representation
Several factors contribute to the under-representation of African women in STEM:
Gender Stereotypes: The cultural and social stereotypes that discourage girls from an early age from taking up science.
Lack of Female Role Models: The absence of women in STEM as role models and mentors.
Limited Access to Education: Inequalities in access to quality education for girls in many African countries.
Discrimination and Harassment: Hostile academic and professional environments that discourage women from pursuing STEM careers.
Long-term solutions
It's essential to encourage girls to take an interest in STEM from an early age. Programs like Girlsday237 in Cameroon are exemplary. Girlsday237 aims to promote STEM to young girls as early as elementary school, by organizing competitions in STEM fields, visits to technology companies and meetings with STEM professionals. Such initiatives help to break down stereotypes and get girls interested in science.
Strengthening educational policies is also important. African governments need to adopt and implement education policies that promote the inclusion of girls in STEM. This includes specific scholarships for girls in scientific fields, tutoring programs and awareness campaigns.
The role of the media and professional organizations
It is crucial to highlight the successes of African women in STEM to inspire younger generations. The media, educational institutions and professional organizations must work together to disseminate women's success stories in these fields.
Improving working environments
Companies and academic institutions need to create inclusive and respectful working environments. This means implementing zero-tolerance policies towards harassment and discrimination, as well as mentoring programs for women.
The under-representation of African women in STEM is a complex but surmountable problem. By combining educational initiatives from an early age, such as Girlsday237 , with strong government policies and active support from communities and businesses, Africa can hope to see a significant increase in women's participation in STEM. This increase will not only contribute to gender equality, but also stimulate innovation and economic development across the continent.
Be part of the change
You too can make a difference! Become a member of Girlsday237 e.V. and play an active part in promoting STEM among young girls in Africa. Click here to join now.
Don't have the time to get involved, but want to support our cause? Make a donation and help us create a better future for girls in Africa. Click ici to make a donation.
Every gesture counts. Together, let's build a future in which girls can realize their potential in science, technology, engineering and mathematics!