Each year, 0-level final results present us with a bitter truth: girls often come second to boys in STEM subjects: STEM refers to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
This could be because girls do not show interest in these subjects or it could be that they are made to believe that STEM fields are a reserve for boys. Or it could be a combination of several factors.
A country with weak STEM education will take time industrialize. A country that does not encourage the participation of both men and women may take longer.
We have to work towards increasing the number of girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
But first, let’s get them interested
Getting girls interested in STEM is an important step to bridging the gender gap, achieving sustainable development and fulfilling the promise of the 2030 Agenda to “leave no one behind”. Despite this, many African countries including Kenya are yet to achieve gender equality in technology, engineering, and mathematics, and science.
Today, we have to go beyond conversations on gender equality. We have to be actively involved in any efforts that seek to encourage more girls to take up STEM courses.
To begin with, work still needs to be done to break the stereotypes that hold them back. Some girls grow up with the belief that they are not good enough to get into science, technology, engineering and math courses. That these courses are a man’s kingdom. That their contributions would be insignificant.
There are several ways that we can get girls interested in STEM. The first is to perhaps change how STEM courses are taught in our high schools. Rote learning will not just cut it with STEm subjects. At least if we are to get them interested. Active learning will help especially when group projects and short demonstrations are infused.
Next, we need to expose them to women thriving in STEM courses. In Kenya, we have influential women in IT and these can serve as great role models to girls hoping to build a career in technology. This way, they will feel represented and this will increase their confidence and give them hope that they can also reach such levels of success or even do better.
An enabling environment will help maintain their interest. Girls need to be equipped with skills and given an opportunity to be part of projects that require hands-on experience.
Another way is to encourage a research culture and to invest in research work. No one wants to work in a field with few or inexperienced educators, facilities, and little collaboration.
Finally, mentorship and outreach will also play a vital role. To achieve this, various organizations and institutions of learning have already developed these programs.
Many high schools have a science club which works in association with classroom instruction of science subjects. These clubs help in the development of scientific attitude and may help develop a genuine interest in science and scientific activities.
Organizations such as Nairobits and AkiraChix are playing their part in outreach. They are not the only ones:
Organizations playing a part
AkiraChix
AkiraChix runs a technical training program in Nairobi. It targets young women from poor social and economic backgrounds.
In 2011, AkiraChix developed a high school outreach program to encourage female students to select careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The program entails bi-weekly sessions, boot camps, and Girls in ICT Day.
Nairobits
NairoBits is a youth-based organization that uses ICT to improve the lives of less privileged children and youth from the non-formal settlement in Nairobi. The organization targets youths from low-income families who struggle to finish secondary school.
The organization’s ICT program is broken down into three stages:
- Getting connected – Takes students through basic computer and graphic design
- Digital garage – Introduces students to web design, blogging and development skills as well as project management skills
- MediaLab – This is a senior class that prepares students for the job market through exposure to real life work experiences, job preparedness forums, and training.
Safaricom Women in Technology (WIT)
WIT seeks to help encourage women to advance their careers in various fields. This is achieved through various programs. These are KidzGoTech, 47/47 Girls High School outreach, Technovation Challenge, Campus Outreach, Technology Academy, and WIT Forum.
The organization also reaches out to women and girls in marginalized areas, offer sponsorships, and support financially disadvantaged girls.
iLabAfrica
@iLabAfrica works with Girls in marginalized areas in Kenya and offers them ICT training.
Girls4Tech
Girls4Tech programme is a project under Mastercard and Youth for Technology and seeks to spur interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) studies and careers amongst primary school girls aged between 10 and 12.
Leave a Reply