GIRLS YIELDING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY (GYST) PROJECT
GYST: Shaping Nigeria's STEM Future
OUR VISION
GYST (Girls Yielding Science and Technology) envisions a Nigeria where girls are at the forefront of scientific and technological innovation. We’re committed to nurturing the next generation of female STEM leaders who will drive Nigeria’s progress in the global knowledge economy.
THE CHALLENGE
Despite making up 51% of Nigeria’s population, women represent only 30% of the STEM leadership workforce. GYST aims to address this disparity by tackling the root causes:
- Limited exposure to STEM fields at an early age.
- Lack of female role models in STEM.
- Societal stereotypes and biases.
- Inadequate STEM education infrastructure
OUR APPROACH
GYST employs a holistic, multi-faceted approach to empower girls in STEM:
- Early Engagement: Introducing girls to STEM concepts as early as Junior Secondary School.
- Hands-On Learning: Providing practical, project-based experiences that make STEM relatable and exciting.
- Mentorship: Connecting girls with successful women in STEM fields for guidance and inspiration.
- Community Building: Creating a supportive network of like-minded girls passionate about STEM.
- Advocacy: Working with policymakers to promote gender-inclusive STEM education policies.
SUCCESS STORIES
Meet some of our GYST alumnae who are making waves in STEM:
The Amazons of JSS Kuje: Developed a climate-smart, very affordable, portable cooking burner that produces methane gas from water and petrol.
The Future Fellows of JSS Jikwoyi: Created an eco-friendly, fuel-less electricity generator which can power small businesses, and home appliances such as medium-sized refrigerators, televisions, and light bulbs.
The Super Falcons of JSS Phase 3 Gwagwalada: Innovators of an AI-controlled farming solution for small-scale farmers. They made an automated mechanical system that digs ridges, plants seeds and sprays insecticides simultaneously.
OUR IMPACT IN NUMBERS
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50+ girls reached through GYST programs so far
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80% increase in STEM subject selection among GYST participants
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95% of GYST alumnae pursuing STEM education or careers
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10+ innovative projects developed by GYST participants, addressing local challenges
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20 GYST-inspired STEM clubs established in schools across Nigeria
LOOKING AHEAD
By 2030, GYST aims to:
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Reach 100,000 girls across all 36 states of Nigeria
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Establish GYST innovation hubs in 10 major cities
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Launch a GYST Scholarship Fund to support 1,000 girls pursuing STEM degrees
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Partner with 100+ companies to provide internships and job opportunities for GYST alumnae
JOIN THE GYST MOVEMENT
Together, we can build a more inclusive and innovative future for Nigeria. Here’s how you can contribute:
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Sponsor a GYST program in your community school
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Volunteer as a mentor or workshop facilitator
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Donate to support our programs and scholarships
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Advocate for gender-inclusive STEM policies in your organization
Contact us at partnerships@def.ng to explore collaboration opportunities.
