Bridging The Space: Unleashing The Potential Of African Women In STEM

By Adeyemi Adekunle

In the heart of Africa, where aspirations for technological advancement cut across nations, the glaring deficit in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has become a critical concern.

Astonishingly, less than a quarter of higher education students in Africa are embracing STEM-related fields, a revelation unveiled by the African Development Bank (AfDB). Dive deeper, and the gender disparity paints an even more disheartening picture—only 18 to 31 percent of science researchers in sub-Saharan Africa are women.

Nigeria, a key player on the continent, grapples with its own challenges as women represent a mere 17 to 20 percent of science researchers. Surprisingly, at the primary level, girls often outshine boys globally in mathematics and science, yet the transition to higher education sees a drastic drop.

A meagre 3 to 7 percent of girls pursuing higher education delve into STEM-related courses, with a stark 3 percent enrolling in ICT, compared to their male counterparts at 8 percent.

The roots of this underrepresentation delve deeper into the entrenched cultural perceptions and societal pressures. Shona Bezanson, Head of Eastern and Southern Partner Network for the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, points fingers at the prevailing notion that STEM is a male domain.

The repercussions of this perception are evident—limited early interventions, domestic pressures, and the lack of STEM female role models hinder the aspirations of budding female scientists.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program sheds light on a pivotal revelation: girls and boys exhibit equal interest in STEM during the early stages of education.

However, as they ascend the educational ladder, a sense of detachment infiltrates, and girls, in particular, feel less connected to STEM fields. The need for a career that aligns with marriage and family responsibilities becomes a prevailing factor, nudging them away from STEM.

Yet, the economic argument for gender inclusivity in STEM cannot be ignored. A study by Adefunke Ekine and Ayotola Aremu emphasizes that diversity and gender inclusion in STEM are crucial for fostering creativity, innovation, and a gender-sensitive perspective in product development.

In response to this gender gap, strategies are being meticulously crafted. Ekine and Aremu propose a multi-faceted approach involving role models, gender-sensitive instruction, and equal access to basic education.

The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program recommends targeted interventions, scholarships, and diversified academic opportunities, including online education, to make STEM more accessible to young women.

In the labyrinth of challenges, a glimmer of hope emerges from initiatives like STEM clinics in Ghana. Orchestrated by UNESCO and partners, these clinics aim to kindle girls’ interest in STEM-related careers. Stephan Bachenheimer, reporting on the clinics, emphasizes their potential to provide girls with firsthand interactions with female scientists, shattering stereotypes and boosting confidence.

The Mastercard Foundation collaborates with local partners, deploying programs like Leaders in Teaching and the Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning in ICT. These initiatives strive to equip teachers, host STEM events, and intentionally focus on girls and young women.

Organizations like Girls in Science and Technology (GIST) amplify the cause by showcasing Ghanaian women in STEM, offering mentoring, training, and internship opportunities. Ohemaa Adjei Andoh, co-founder of GIST, believes in the power of visibility: “We believe you can be what you see.”

Despite commendable efforts, the journey to bridge the gender gap in STEM across Africa is far from over. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 envisions inclusive growth and sustainable education, emphasizing the need to propel innovation, science, and technology. In this pursuit, leaving half the population behind is not an option. Breaking the chains that bind women in STEM is not just a matter of human rights; it’s an investment in Africa’s future.