“Tech is for boys”
“You are not smart enough to code”
“You cannot be a Physicist; that’s not a realistic career path.”
Imagine being beaten with these words every time you announce your career path. That is what the female gender is often faced with when she decides to walk a path in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
For a long time, there has been significant gender gap in STEM – the female gender is highly underrepresented in these fields. She is often limited by prejudice, truncated and even hindered by an unsupportive environment, thus making her less likely to enrol in any STEM field.
As we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science today, 11th February, it is important that we explore the reasons for this disrimination against girls in STEM.
Why are Girls Underrepresented in STEM?
Some issues that contribute to the underrepresentation of the female gender in STEM in Nigeria are:
- Due to socialization and traditional roles assigned to girls at birth, society now considers dreams beyond cooking and housekeeping to be “farfetched” for a woman. We would rather stay comfortable in the traditional way of doing things than disrupt what the world knows to be true.
- The female gender now believe that even if she decides to take a step beyond cooking and cleaning, she cannot handle complicated fields like STEM. It is too tasking, we are told. So we accept the narrative that we lack the emotional capacity to function excellently in that line. Female students are held back by the belief that their gender is by nature, unable to absorb core scientific information. As a result, they settle for social science courses instead. This is however contrary to reality, as girls who are brave enough to go for STEM, often come out excellent.
- Discouraging young women and girls from picking – or sustaining – interest in STEM is another major obstacle. The voices of people’s negative talks can become so loud in a growing girl’s mind that opening new doors will require changes in her mindset and, in some cases, her culture too.
The Role of Educators in Empowering Female Students for Science Paths
Teachers, principals, and other educators are responsible for shaping, encouraging and directing their students. Their work goes beyond academia; they must see their students as a life in their hands, a future in their hands, which can be molded positively by the steps they take today.
It is essential to implement inclusive strategies and policies within our school community that encourage and support girls’ interest and engagement in science. Here are some strategies that can be put in place:
- Encourage female students who have an interest or strength in science courses. Ask them what they want to be, and refrain from discouraging their ideas, even if it seems farfetched.
- Never spread the narrative that science subjects are masculine, while subjects like English and Home Economics are feminine. No subject came with a gender tag. Allow students to choose the path they want, and help them research what they can make of such interest.
- Establish a Science Girls Club, where female students can explore their interests in science in a supportive and encouraging environment. This club can organise activities such as hands-on experiments, field trips to science-related events or facilities, and so on.
- Organise workshops and career panels to showcase female role models in STEM. Invite women scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and technologists to share their experiences. Providing girls with exposure to successful women in STEM can inspire and motivate them to pursue similar paths.
- Ensure that the science curriculum is inclusive and representative of both male and female scientists throughout history. Incorporate examples, case studies, and research findings that highlight the contributions of women in various scientific disciplines. By integrating gender-inclusive content into the curriculum, girls can see themselves reflected in the material, fostering a sense of belonging and relevance in science education.
By implementing these strategies and policies, we may unknowingly shape the next Marie Curie.
The Role of Government in Empowering Female Students for Science Paths
The following strategies can be implemented to attract more women and girls into the future of science.
- Encourage women in science fields to participate in international and domestic collaborative research.
- Support women’s participation in workshops, conferences, seminars and exhibitions.
- Women’s committees should also be mobilized to promote resources and oversee women’s participation in science.
What Dbegotin is Doing to Empower Female Students for Science Paths
- PEARL Project: This project provides girls with counselling opportunities, pairing each girl with a female mentor. The goal is to inspire and empower girls, foster self-confidence, and break down education barriers.
- Youth Skill Development: This workshop will provide an opportunity for youth, particularly the female gender, to get trained on emerging tech skills and internships. This will equip young minds with confidence and relevance as they enter into the workforce.
Conclusion
Girls can be whatever they want to be. Girls are brave, courageous and intelligent humans. It is important we encourage females around us to dare mighty paths, believe in God and reach for those dreams.
Photo credit: Black girls do science
