NAKURU—Alice Muthoni Githinji, a second-year Electrical Engineering student at the Kenya Industrial Training Institute, reflects a significant shift in her career path—from initially aspiring to be a saleswoman to embracing a future in engineering and information technology. This transformation underscores the broader narrative of gender diversity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields within Kenya, a conversation that is increasingly relevant in today’s tech-driven economy.
According to Kenya News Agency, her perspective changed drastically after participating in a mentorship and career guidance program conducted by the Youth African Women’s Initiative (YAWI). Originally from Gilgil Sub-County and a student at Kiungururia Mixed Secondary School, she was part of a cohort that engaged in YAWI’s targeted initiatives to dismantle gender stereotypes in STEM and cultivate a generation of women proficient in these critical areas.
Githinji, now among the few women in her engineering class, credits the organization’s efforts, including confidence-building workshops and exposure to successful women in STEM, for her newfound aspiration and success. Her journey is reflective of YAWI’s broader goals to increase female representation in STEM through comprehensive educational and motivational strategies.
Beyond her engineering studies, Githinji has ventured into the ICT sector, leveraging skills acquired through additional programs like the Ajira Digital Program. She offers a range of innovative IT services, from web development to digital marketing, demonstrating the practical application of her technical education in addressing societal and business challenges.
The narrative extends to the broader community, where YAWI has initiated STEM clubs and competitions, particularly targeting female students to inspire interest and recognition in these fields. These initiatives provide a platform for young women to explore and excel in STEM disciplines, challenging prevailing biases and fostering a more inclusive environment.
Fidelis Karanja, YAWI’s Executive Director, emphasizes the critical need for such programs, citing disparities in professional engineering and research fields in Kenya and across sub-Saharan Africa. Through collaborative efforts with educators, ICT professionals, and other stakeholders, YAWI aims to nurture a robust pipeline of female talent in STEM, contributing to equitable economic development and innovation.
Githinji’s story, representing a confluence of education, mentorship, and empowerment, highlights the transformative potential of targeted interventions in altering career trajectories and broadening the horizons for young women in Kenya and beyond.