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Unpacking STEM careers: Celebrating her voice in science
The day was filled with enlightening speeches, dynamic activities, and a deep commitment to breaking down barriers for girls and women in science related fields. The national celebration brought together passionate educators, inspiring mentors, young girls eager to enter STEM careers, and a host of distinguished guests from UNESCO, Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM), Nyamira County, Ministry of Education, government officials and members of public, all united in the mission to nurturing and increase female representation in the scientific community.
The celebration commenced with an impactful and symbolic tree planting ceremony. Participants, including students, mentors, and distinguished guests, came together to plant 150 tree seedlings. This aimed at not only promoting climate change resilience in the school and community at large, but also nurturing of young students’ potential in science as the trees will be used as experiential learning aids. The tree planting activity aligned with the broader theme of sustainability and was a perfect metaphor for sowing the seeds of innovation, collaboration, and future success. As the trees took root, so too did the determination of these young girls to thrive in the STEM fields.
Various notable speakers in attendance encouraged the girl students and underscored the critical need for more women and girls in science. The motivational addresses were poignant and filled with valuable insights, as they encouraged the young audience to consider science as an avenue for future career success. This is critical as at present, the UNESCO studies have established that women and girls occupy less than 30% of science related fields globally.
The UNESCO Regional Director for Eastern Africa, **** opened her speech by stressing the significance of this day in addressing the gender gap in STEM fields. She noted that while women have historically contributed significantly to scientific progress, their contributions have often been marginalized or overlooked. The day’s celebrations aimed to amplify women’s voices in science, advocating for more visibility and representation of women in leadership roles in various scientific disciplines.
KNATCOM’s Ag. Secretary General / CEO, Dr. James Njogu, underscored the need to close the gender gap thus ensure the harnessing of the full spectrum of human intelligence, creativity, and problem-solving skills for scientific advancement. He demystified the notion that STEM courses were hard and a preserve for boy students, and thanked UNESCO for their contribution in promoting STEM Mentorship Camps of Excellence in Kenya and the CODEMAO Project. In his conclusion remarks, he pledged the Kenya Government’s support through the Ministry of Education citing the STEM Education Policy.
The speakers also discussed the barriers that women and girls face in their pursuit for STEM careers. From gender biases to a lack of mentorship and resources, the challenges can often seem insurmountable. However, these obstacles were framed not as deterrents but as opportunities that can be overcome through determination, collaboration, and institutional support. One key point emphasized was the need to create safe environments where girls feel empowered and supported in pursuing STEM education and careers.
Throughout the event, there was a palpable sense of excitement and inspiration, particularly from the students in attendance. The day’s speeches and interactions were designed not only to celebrate the achievements of women in science but also to motivate young girls to take up STEM courses and pursue careers in science and technology.
Female motivational speakers in attendance shared their own experiences in the STEM and STI related fields, offering personal stories about their challenges and triumphs. They spoke about the importance of persistence, hard work, peer-peer learning and self-belief in overcoming obstacles. These messages were aimed at showing the girls in the audience that success in science is attainable and that they, too, have the potential to make meaningful contributions to the world.
Despite the clear progress, the event also highlighted the challenges that women in STEM still face—both globally and locally. One major hurdle is the underrepresentation of women in certain scientific disciplines, particularly in leadership roles. However, speakers and mentors alike emphasized that the future holds significant promise, particularly as more young girls are encouraged to pursue careers in STEM fields.
On culmination of the event, the students in attendance were energized and inspired to pursue their passion for science, armed with new knowledge about STEM career paths, the importance of mentorship, and the critical need for female representation in these fields. The collaboration between government, academia, and organizations like UNESCO laid a strong foundation to ensure that these girls have the resources, networks, and platforms they need to succeed.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science was more than just a celebration—it was a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education, mentorship, and collaborative partnerships in helping to close the gender gap in STEM. The event demonstrated that when women and girls are given the tools, support, and encouragement they need, they can break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and lead the way in scientific innovation. The message was clear: The future of science is female, and it starts now.
