Remove barriers keeping women and girls off STEM field

The fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) have historically been male dominated, with women facing significant barriers in entry and development. However, the game has changed since both men and women are now competing fairly for positions and jobs under the STEM field. Despite many challenges,  women in STEM have made remarkable strides paving the way for future generations of women to make further developments in the field.

A 2017 UNESCO study indicates that only 35 per cent of STEM students in higher education globally are women. In Kenya, the study found that 14 per cent of women are in the natural sciences, and 11 per cent are in engineering and technology fields. These figures underscore the significant gender gap in STEM fields in Kenya, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to encourage and support women's participation in these areas.

Quite a number of challenges have been faced by women in the STEM field. Gender bias remains a major problem as most women receive less encouragement and recognition compared to their male counterparts. In addition to this, lack of female role models in this field discourages younger women from pursuing STEM careers. Furthermore, in multi-racial countries such USA and South Africa, women of colour from low income backgrounds face compounded obstacles in accessing STEM openings. Diversity in STEM is not about gender, it is about ensuring all women from all walks of life receive equal access to opportunities.

It is encouraging to observe that women in STEM have revolutionised the field. Some of them are leading innovations that are shaping the future such as breakthroughs in medical research to advancements in artificial intelligence and environmental sustainability. Women are at the forefront of transformative change. For example, Frances Arnold was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2018 for her work on the directed evolution of enzymes while Mary-Claire King made groundbreaking contributions to genetics, particularly in identifying the genetic basis of cancer. This demonstrates that women are making significant strides in the STEM field and ensuring that their voices are heard in some of the most significant fields of the 21st century.

One of the most significant shifts in recent years has been the increasing emphasis on encouraging young girls to pursue STEM education from an early age. Various initiatives such as #girlswhocode are working to close the gender gap in technology by offering mentorship, coding programs and community support. Around the world, educational institutions and non-profit organisations are offering scholarships and grants specifically aimed at women in STEM, providing financial assistance to make their education more accessible. The rise of online platforms has democratised access to quality STEM education allowing young women from around the world to learn essential skills without being restricted by geographical or financial limitations.

Strides made by women in STEM are so far commendable though there is still a lot of work to be done. Increasing female representations in leadership positions, fostering a culture of inclusion, and addressing issues such as the gender pay gap and unconscious bias are key to ensuring that women continue to thrive in these fields.

The author is a data science enthusiast. [email protected]