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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Support women and girls to thrive in STEM fields and professions

Opinion

By Wendilene Yolanda Balie | Feb 19, 2025

**Eng Jacinta Mwangi from Kenya Urban Roads Authority joins students of PCEA Tumutumu Girls High School during celebrations to mark the International Day for Women in Science.** [File, Standard]

As the world commemorates the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science this month, it is important that we enhance the efforts made so far and accelerate progress towards a truly equitable future for all genders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields and professions.

While commendable strides have been made, we must continue dismantling systemic barriers and creating an enabling environment that empowers women and girls to thrive and reach their full potential in STEM fields.

Despite decades of advocacy, data (2018-2023) from UNESCO Institute for Statistics reveals that women constitute only 35 per cent of STEM graduates globally. In Kenya, the situation demands closer scrutiny. For instance, Engineers Board of Kenya reports that as of December 2024, only 11 per cent of registered engineers were women, with just 22 per cent of women enrolled in STEM courses at universities.

It is not enough to encourage girls to study science; we must also ensure that they have equal opportunities to thrive and lead in their chosen science fields. This requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles deeply ingrained societal biases, promotes inclusive education, and creates supportive work environments where women can excel without facing discrimination or prejudice.

The theme for the 2025 International Day of Women and Girls in Science, "Unpacking STEM Careers: Her Voice in Science," is particularly relevant. It encourages us to explore the vast array of career paths that a science background can unlock and to amplify the voices of women who are already making significant contributions in these fields. It is about showcasing the passion, creativity, and dedication that drive women to push the boundaries of knowledge.

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The narrative often focuses on the achievements of iconic figures like Polish French physicist and chemist Marie Curie who broke barriers for women in STEM, but celebrating individual success stories should not mask the systemic challenges that continue to hinder the progress of countless women in science. We need to move beyond token representation and create a truly equitable landscape where women are not just present but also empowered to shape the direction of scientific inquiry.

The inspirational journey of champions such as Faith Njoki Karanja, the first female professor and department chair in Geospatial and Space Technology at University of Nairobi, proves that girls can aim for the stars in science.

Similarly, the story of Esther Ruto, the first woman from Kericho to study electrical engineering, highlights the immense potential of girls in renewable energy. These exemplary women remind us that science is not a game reserved for any particular gender.

Kenya has no shortage of brilliant, curious ladies full of potential. Given the chance, many more of them can discover vaccines, pioneer new technologies, and lead innovations we have not yet imagined.

So, what can be done? The answer lies in a concerted effort from governments, educational institutions, corporations, individuals and wider society to break down the barriers holding girls back. It's important to enhance investment in STEM education for girls from a young age, dismantle harmful stereotypes, and provide visible role models.

Ms Wendilene is the Head of Talent, Culture and Inclusion at BAT Kenya