Breaking Barriers for a Data-Driven Future by Empowering Women in STEM

Since time immemorial, women have been underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

While progress has been made towards gender parity and the implementation of policies in various areas, the STEM field continues to struggle with female underrepresentation.

This gender gap not only denies women the opportunity to bring different perspectives and talents to the table, but it also impedes the effectiveness and accuracy of data-based decision-making.

Now more than ever it is essential to overcome these obstacles and create pathways for women to thrive in statistics.

In Kenya, like many other parts of the world, women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are still under-represented.

According to recent Kenya National Bureau of Standards (KNBS) data, only 30% of STEM professionals in Kenya are women.

This is not only a result of gender inequality, but also a missed opportunity to unlock the full potential of human capital. Women make up less than 30% of those enrolled in universities.

Also Read: Why More Women Need Digital Skills: Bridging Gender Gap

Presence of Women in STEM Fields

This percentage is even lower in specific fields such as Engineering and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

While health sciences have a higher percentage of female students, there is a worrying “leakage” of girls losing interest in STEM during their education.

The KNBS data highlights the need for early interventions to motivate girls and close the gender gap in Kenya STEM.

Increasing diversity in STEM fields, particularly by including more women and people from underrepresented groups, is crucial. 

Diverse experiences and backgrounds will lead to a wider range of perspectives when approaching problem-solving and data analysis.

Why It’s Important

This will foster a more inclusive scientific and technological landscape, ultimately resulting in more comprehensive and impactful solutions.

Furthermore, tackling the urgent problems facing our society requires a greater presence of women in STEM fields.

Data is essential for guiding policies and interventions in a variety of fields, including healthcare, education, economics, and environmental sustainability.

One runs the danger of missing important details that disproportionately affect women and other marginalized groups if there aren’t a variety of viewpoints represented in the data and statistical analysis.

Gender Diversity in STEM Fields

We can close these disparities and guarantee the efficacy and equity of data-driven solutions by encouraging more women to seek jobs in statistics.

Fostering gender diversity in STEM fields is not only a social justice issue, but also a business need.

Research indicates that businesses and establishments with a varied workforce perform better than those with a less diverse workforce.

Businesses can improve innovation, problem-solving, and overall performance by utilizing a larger talent pool.

Within the statistical domain, this entails obtaining fresh perspectives, enhancing the calibre of data, and finally promoting more effective decision-making procedures throughout many economic domains.

Call to Action for All Stakeholders

However, it will take coordinated efforts from several stakeholders to remove the obstacles preventing women from participating in statistics.

It will begin with tackling cultural norms and institutional prejudices, including statistics, that deter women from pursuing professions in STEM fields.

Nurturing talent and promoting inclusion need that aspirant woman in STEM be given mentorship, training, and support systems.

Additionally, initiatives to advance gender equality in STEM education and employment must also be put in place by legislators and educational institutions.

Also Read: Meet Six Women Leaders Challenging Gender Biases in Kenya

Initiatives to Curb Gender Equality

This will entail funding outreach initiatives, mentorship programs, and grants designed to inspire young girls to pursue education and employment in statistics and related subjects.

The underrepresentation of women in this field, is a complex problem that has to be addressed immediately.

We can fully realize the potential of more women enrolling in STEM programs and use data to influence positive social change by dismantling barriers and promoting an inclusive atmosphere.

It’s not just about achieving gender parity; it’s about leveraging diversity to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.

This article was written by Dr. Gladys G. Njoroge, Senior Lecturer of Biostatistics, USIU Africa.