Prominent Scientists Encourage Girls to Pursue STEM Careers

NAIROBI, Kenya — Leading female scientists have called on secondary school girls to embrace science subjects to prepare for the competitive job market, highlighting the significant underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This appeal was made during a gathering at Tumutumu Girls Secondary School in Nyeri, where professionals from various scientific disciplines underscored the importance of women’s participation in STEM.

According to Kenya News Agency, Regional Manager of the Zizi Afrique Foundation and Kenya’s youngest PhD holder in Biomathematics, there is a critical need for girls to engage in science subjects. Dr. Ngina pointed out that government projections indicate that 60% of Kenya’s workforce will be in STEM fields, emphasizing the country’s push towards these areas of study. She argued that it is essential for girls not to be left behind in this shift towards a more technologically driven economy.

Supporting these sentiments, UN-Women’s 2022 findings revealed that only 29.2% of women globally are employed in STEM-related fields, contrasting with the 49.3% working in non-STEM occupations. Furthermore, a 2020 UNESCO report indicated that women constitute just 30% of researchers worldwide and only 35% of all students in STEM-related higher education programs. Specifically in Kenya, the figures are even more stark, with women making up only 14% of the natural sciences sector and 11% in engineering and technology.

To address this disparity, UN-Women has called for more robust partnerships and initiatives to equip girls with the necessary STEM skills, addressing workplace challenges that deter women from entering these fields. The organization advocates for policies and practices that attract and retain women in STEM careers, emphasizing the importance of these skills for future job markets.

Eng. Jacinta Mwangi, Kenya Urban Roads Authority Director of Planning and Development, highlighted the lack of continuous mentorship and parental support as significant barriers to girls’ participation in science careers. She stressed the importance of mentorship and parental encouragement for girls to excel in STEM subjects, noting the societal misconception that STEM is a male-dominated field.

Dr. Ngina, who achieved her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomathematics from Strathmore University at the age of 28, serves as a pioneering figure for young women in Kenya’s scientific community. Her achievements underscore the potential for women to excel in STEM fields, provided they receive the necessary support and opportunities.