Women in science: Despite huge strides, we still have long way to go

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a day that presents us with an opportunity to stand up for women and girls in science and prevent gender-specific barriers that continue to hold women and girls back. The aim is to inspire science, technology and innovations that are in tandem with the Kenyan community.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers represent the most dynamic and impactful fields shaping the modern world. From driving technological innovations to solving complex global challenges, the importance of STEM cannot be overstated. However, the persistent underrepresentation of women and girls in these STEM disciplines raises crucial questions regarding equity and inclusivity. In Kenya, for example, the national examinations such as the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) reveal significant gaps in science subject performance between girls and boys.

For decades, societal norms and stereotypes have discouraged women and girls from pursuing careers in STEM. Cultural stereotypes that label certain professions as “male-orientated” have been deeply ingrained, often leading to fewer girls choosing STEM-related subjects during their formative years. However, this tide is turning around. Influential role models such as Oprah Winfrey of the United States of America and Prof Mirriam Were of Kenya are actively encouraging young women and the girl child to venture into STEM-related professions.

In recent years, Kenya has seen many young women and girls venture into STEM professions. According to the UNESCO, 2024 study, 35 per cent of all students enrolled in STEM subjects are women. Of the 35 per cent enrolled in STEM, 14 per cent are in the natural sciences while 11 per cent are in Engineering and technology. This is a tremendous improvement from the past participation rate. The expected participation rate of women and girls in sciences should be 50 per cent, a figure which can easily be achieved with our joint efforts.

Despite these successes, women in STEM often face systemic challenges, such as pay gaps, limited mentorship, and workplace discrimination. Many are also content with the impostor syndrome - a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their abilities despite having the necessary competences. Addressing these barriers requires both institutional systematic change and grassroots efforts to dismantle biases and promote inclusivity.

In this modern world, women are not just participating in STEM, they are leading groundbreaking initiatives. In medicine, for example, women are at the forefront of developing treatment innovations for previously untreatable diseases. In technology, female engineers and coders are creating algorithms that drive innovations in artificial intelligence and cyber security. Environmental science, too, boasts of female trailblazers like Greta Thunberg, who has become a global voice for climate action.

Programmes and initiatives aimed at increasing female participation in STEM have played a crucial role in having girls enroll in STEM programmes. Organizations like Girls Who Code, Women in Engineering, and the STEM Women Network provide mentorship, training, and support to young girls and professionals alike. Universities and companies are also implementing policies to close gender gaps, offering scholarships, gender advocacy programmes, flexible work environments, and parental leave to support women in balancing career and family responsibilities.

Representation matters. When young girls see women excelling in STEM fields, it challenges the notion that science and technology are male domains. Media portrayal of women as scientists, mathematicians, and engineers can further inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. Films like Hidden Figures, a movie that highlights the contributions of Black women mathematicians at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and documentaries highlighting female innovators, emphasize the critical contributions of women to science and technology.

Diverse voices lead to better science. Studies show that teams with diverse perspectives produce more innovative solutions. For example, female scientists have led groundbreaking research on gender-specific health issues, filling critical gaps in medical knowledge that predominantly male teams might overlook.

The progress towards achieving gender equity in STEM is undeniable. However, the journey is far from over. Women are no longer mere participants; they are pioneers, innovators, and leaders in their respective fields. As society increasingly recognize the value of diversity, the voices of women in STEM grow louder and more influential.

Ensuring that every girl with a passion for science has the opportunity to thrive requires a collective effort. Families, educators, policymakers, and industry leaders must work together to create environments that nurture talent, challenge biases, and celebrate achievements. By amplifying her voice in science, we not only empower individuals but also enrich the world with diverse perspectives and groundbreaking discoveries. The future of STEM is inclusivity and women and girls will continue to shape it.