Women Underrepresented in University STEM Courses.
The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) has highlighted the significant underrepresentation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
Recent statistics reveal that only 22% of university students enrolled in STEM courses are women, and a mere 11% of registered professional engineers in Kenya are female.
This gender disparity extends globally, as data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS) shows that women make up more than half of all tertiary-level students but remain far less likely to pursue STEM disciplines.
From 2018 to 2023, UIS data released in the 2024 GEM Gender Report indicated that women constituted only 35% of STEM graduates, a figure that has stagnated over the past decade.
Local Efforts to Bridge the Gap
To tackle this challenge, EBK organized a STEM Boot Camp of Excellence in Nairobi, mentoring 300 students from 26 schools located in informal urban settlements.
The event, held at Nairobi Primary School, aimed to inspire young girls to explore STEM fields and counteract persistent stereotypes that deter them from such careers.
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EBK Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Margaret Ogai, underscored the importance of these initiatives in fostering change. She reported that interest in STEM among Kenyan girls is growing, with at least 30% now opting for science-related subjects.
She also noted the need for more professionals to align with Kenya’s STEM-focused policies, given the country’s current count of 27,000 registered engineers.
Challenges and Opportunities
Kenya’s STEM gender gap mirrors a broader issue. According to Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) data, only 30% of the country’s STEM professionals are women.
The low representation is attributed to stereotypes and insufficient support systems for girls, limiting their exposure to STEM opportunities.
“Many girls still shy away from pursuing STEM careers due to these persuasive stereotypes, inadequate support systems to encourage them to explore their interests in STEM this is the reason why EBK has been holding such Boot Camps,” she said.
Eng. Ogai stressed that initiatives like the Boot Camp are essential to dispel misconceptions, provide mentorship, and offer resources that encourage young girls to envision a future in STEM careers.
Global Context
The disparity in STEM education and professions is not unique to Kenya. Globally, gender biases, societal expectations, and lack of mentorship continue to hinder progress toward gender parity in STEM fields.
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Addressing these barriers requires concerted efforts at both local and international levels, through programs that empower and support women in STEM.
Kenya’s initiatives, including the EBK-led Boot Camps, are steps in the right direction, reflecting a commitment to closing the gender gap in STEM and promoting inclusive growth in these critical fields.
Women Underrepresented in University STEM Courses.
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