Gender stereotypes and gendered behavior are developed at an early age.
Research shows the fewer gender stereotypes a father holds, the more likely his daughter is to say she wants to work outside the home as an adult and the girls are more likely to have broader, less gendered interests — they’re less hemmed in by stereotypes that say girls should always wear pink and play with dolls.
It is therefore important that if a girl shows interest in STEM, (which for a long time has been considered “masculine”), that she is supported to fully immerse and explore the subjects.
Initiatives and programs that provide the much-needed support, training and mentorship platforms will go a long way to increase the number of girls actively participating in STEM subjects.
Mentors play critical roles in the success and trajectory of STEM careers offering advice, sharing their experiences, and acting as role models.
The mentoring process helps deconstruct the idea that successful STEM careers are unachievable. Mentoring can be achieved virtually or physical or a combination of both.
Case Study: Kenya
Most notably in Kenya, Akirachix, who has been on the forefront in providing mentorship to young women.
They have carved a niche for themselves as they inspire and develop a successful force of women in Technology with the vision of Africa’s future on women at a time.
Their key program areas are networking, mentorship, and training. Last year the most notable initiative was the 2-week intensive boot camp for young girls between the ages of 14 and 18, that saw seasoned women designers train and mentor the girls on design.
From girls with no idea how to use a computer, to others not sure they wanted to go through the entire experience and others with no clue on what to expect from the training, the results after the two weeks were remarkable.
Presentations of their design layouts ready for print and publication bore testimony to the success of the program. Akirachix plans to expand the high school outreach program to other parts of the country.
WMIAfrica recognizes the importance of highlighting initiatives such as the 2-week intensive boot camp targeting girls in schools and showcasing organizations that support women in STEM like Akirachix.
Through the WMIAfrica online platform http://www.wmiafrica.org, we aim to spotlight similar organizations and initiatives all across Africa that target women not only in Technology but also in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics.
We believe that sharing these mentorship success stories can provide best practice for other women organizations in the continent and will inspire and impact more girls and young women to keep it STEM.
Initially published on Jan 22, 2013, on www.wmiafrica.org
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