Remove barriers keeping women and girls off STEM field

Catherine Muraga (right), the Microsoft Africa Development Centre Managing Director and female technology and engineering students from different universities across Kenya at Microsoft offices during a mentorship session organized as part of efforts to mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. [File, Standard]

The fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) have historically been male dominated, with women facing significant barriers in entry and development. However, the game has changed since both men and women are now competing fairly for positions and jobs under the STEM field. Despite many challenges, women in STEM have made remarkable strides paving the way for future generations of women to make further developments in the field.

A 2017 UNESCO study indicates that only 35 per cent of STEM students in higher education globally are women. In Kenya, the study found that 14 per cent of women are in the natural sciences, and 11 per cent are in engineering and technology fields. These figures underscore the significant gender gap in STEM fields in Kenya, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to encourage and support women's participation in these areas.