News
11 days to (re) discover women in STEM
Day 1: 1 thing you should know about women in STEM
In Cameroon, women make up only 28% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This significant gender disparity highlights the need for targeted efforts to encourage and support more women to pursue careers in these fields.
Despite progress in education and gender equality, women remain underrepresented in STEM careers in Cameroon. Many girls are discouraged from pursuing STEM subjects from a young age, leading to fewer women in STEM professions.
The challenges women in STEM encounter include :
- Cultural Barriers: traditional gender roles often prioritize domestic responsibilities over professional aspirations for women.
- Lack of Support: limited access to mentorship and networking opportunities can hinder career advancement.
- Workplace Discrimination: women in STEM fields may encounter bias and discrimination, affecting their job satisfaction and career progression.
Several initiatives are working to bridge the gender gap in STEM in Cameroon:
- Educational Programs: organizations like CAYSTI, NKWANGTECH FOUNDATION, YAAPA are inspiring young Cameroonian girls to pursue STEM education through workshops, mentorship, and scholarships.
- Policy Changes: the government is implementing policies to ensure equal access to education and training for both genders.
- Community Support: local and international organizations are collaborating to create supportive environments for women in STEM.
Highlighting the achievements of women in STEM can inspire the next generation. For example, Mrs. Pamela Azanfouet, Mrs. Fadimatou Noutchemo, Arielle Kitio and many more made significant contributions to promoting STEM education for girls in Cameroon.
Addressing the gender disparity in STEM requires a multifaceted approach, including cultural change, policy support, and community engagement. By empowering women and girls in STEM, Cameroon can harness the full potential of its talent pool and drive innovation and development.
We share this in preparation of the 11th February, the international day for girls and women in science. If you enjoyed reading, please do share the article around you to raise awareness about women in STEM challenges and what it’s been doing to tackle those challenges. Thanks !
Day 2 : 2 ways to support women in STEM
Day 3: 3 challenges women face in STEM careers
Day 4: 4 reasons why diversity in STEM matters
Day 5: 5 inspiring Cameroonian women in STEM you should know
Day 6: 6 ways to encourage girls to pursue STEM education
Day 7: 7 tips for women in STEM to overcome imposter syndrome
Day 8: 8 Ways to build a more inclusive STEM workplace
Day 9 : 9 books every woman in STEM should read
Day 10: 10 organizations empowering women in STEM across Africa
Day 11 : Happy celebration to all the girls and women in science