Industry experts emphasise that effectively harnessing the participation of women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields requires more than just numerical representation—it demands concerted efforts to translate intentions into tangible actions. These sentiments were echoed during the closing of a three-day workshop titled Breaking Barriers and Fostering Equity: Women in STEM, organised by the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) on Wednesday, February 21. ALSO READ: More efforts needed to close STEM gender gap at tertiary level – officials The workshop served as a gathering, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders, including professionals and educators in STEM fields, as well as leaders and decision-makers from academia, industry, and research sectors. In a press interview, Dr. Pierre Bakunzibake, Afretec Project Lead and a Lecturer at the University of Rwanda, highlighted the workshop's significance in advocating for gender equality. This workshop serves as a vital platform for advocating gender issues and addressing the challenges facing female students in STEM fields, such as social stereotypes and lack of role models. Additionally, Afretec is paving the way for inclusive digital growth in African technology-focused universities by fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. The insights gained here will not only benefit our students but also empower staff to implement inclusive practices in their respective institutions. Ultimately, the goal is to cultivate an applied African digital knowledge and research ecosystem that addresses diverse challenges and opportunities, leading to significant results. ALSO READ: AFRETEC empowers UR staff with dynamic learning environment skills He expressed optimism about the potential impact of the initiative on addressing continental challenges and opportunities. Reflecting on the workshop's outcomes, Heila Jordaan, Senior Lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, said: The workshop has proven to be fruitful and productive. It provided an invaluable platform for women in STEM disciplines to express their viewpoints and offer advice on how to navigate their careers. While the discussions were highly beneficial, it may be necessary to formalise some of these insights to ensure their implementation across various institutions. Reflecting on the South African context, Jordaan noted, While there's generally a good gender balance across disciplines, there remains a noticeable disparity in the representation of women in science, technology, and engineering fields compared to others. There's still room for improvement. ALSO READ: AFRETEC takes the lead in cybersecurity education for UR staff Dr. Adekemi Sekoni, Associate Professor at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria, reflected on the programme, stating: It's been a very enlightening experience. Despite my eight years of work in the inclusion and diversity field, it was only yesterday, amidst our discussions, that I truly grasped the significance of the 'leave no one behind' principle. Previously, I had viewed it in terms of others, but now I realise that I too should not be overlooked. This realisation compels me to reconsider and adapt my teaching and mentoring methods to foster greater inclusion and diversity, not only in my professional endeavours but also in my personal life. Attending her first inclusion and diversity meeting on the African continent, Sekoni marveled at “the diversity of participants and the wealth of knowledge they shared.” She emphasised the untapped resources in Africa and urged women to unite and maximise their collective potential. Sekoni views this journey as more than a mere programme but as a transformative experience shared with her colleagues and fellow women. She is optimistic about the impact they will collectively make, With the calibre of individuals I've encountered here, the world will soon hear from us. Other topics discussed encompassed the recognition and celebration of women's role in propelling innovation, fostering discovery, and driving progress, as well as the imperative of enhancing women's participation in securing research grants. About the African Engineering and Technology Network Afretec stands as a network uniting technology-focused universities spanning the African continent, with a core mission to advance excellence in engineering and technology, elevate teaching and learning standards, foster knowledge creation, and pave pathways to opportunities. Driven by the vision of advancing inclusive digital transformation through higher education, Afretec's influence spans six universities: the University of Rwanda (UR), Carnegie Mellon University Africa, the University of Lagos, the University of Nairobi, the American University of Cairo, and South Africa’s Wits University. For further details, visit: www.afretec.org
