Women in science: Despite huge strides, we still have long way to go

Students and teachers mark International Day for Women in Science at PCEA Tumutumu Girls High School, on February 11, 2014. [File, Standard]

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a day that presents us with an opportunity to stand up for women and girls in science and prevent gender-specific barriers that continue to hold women and girls back. The aim is to inspire science, technology and innovations that are in tandem with the Kenyan community.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers represent the most dynamic and impactful fields shaping the modern world. From driving technological innovations to solving complex global challenges, the importance of STEM cannot be overstated. However, the persistent underrepresentation of women and girls in these STEM disciplines raises crucial questions regarding equity and inclusivity. In Kenya, for example, the national examinations such as the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) reveal significant gaps in science subject performance between girls and boys.