By Harriet Ijeomah
As innovation and the need for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals in these fields is soaring. Yet, despite the critical importance of STEM, there remains a significant gender imbalance globally. In many countries, including Nigeria, women are still vastly underrepresented in STEM disciplines, both in education and in the workforce.
Globally, women make up only 35% of STEM graduates, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report of 2023. Furthermore, women occupy just 29.2% of the total employment in STEM. While there has been an increase in the number of female graduates entering the STEM sector annually, retention remains a significant challenge. At the entry level, women account for 29.4% of STEM roles, but this number drops dramatically to 17.8% at the vice-president level and just 12.4% in executive positions. In research and development, only 30% of researchers worldwide are women.
The situation is even more concerning in sub-Saharan Africa. The African Development Bank (AfDB) reports that less than 25% of African higher education students are currently pursuing careers in STEM-related fields. For girls, the numbers are even more demoralizing, with only 18 to 31% of science researchers in sub-Saharan Africa being women. This contrasts sharply with regions like Southeast Europe and the Caribbean, where women constitute 49% of science researchers, and Central Asia and Latin America, where the figure stands at 44%.
In Nigeria, the gender gap in STEM is stark, but organizations like Technology For Inspiration Initiative (InspireIT) are working to change this narrative. InspireIT is a non-profit organization committed to promoting STEM education and careers among women and girls in Nigeria. The organization is leveraging technology and digital platforms with aims to reach and engage young women, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to thrive in STEM fields.
Recognizing the importance of partnerships, Inspire IT has joined forces with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy to make a tangible impact. This collaboration is part of the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope agenda aimed at building Nigeria’s technical talent pool and positioning the country as a leader in the global digital economy.
The 3MTT programme is designed to generate a robust pipeline of technical talent, with a strong focus on inclusivity. It aims to create opportunities for women and girls to enter and excel in the STEM workforce.
The upcoming 3MTT Cohort 2 Orientation, scheduled for August 17, 2024, at the Imo International Exhibition Centre, Mbari, is a key event in this initiative. This orientation will bring together a diverse group of fellows, training providers, partners, and placement organizations, all working together to equip participants with the skills necessary for success in Nigeria’s digital economy.
InspireIT’s approach goes beyond traditional education. The organization is deeply committed to mentorship, community engagement, and creating sustainable pathways for women and girls in STEM. Collaborating with experts, private institutions, and non-profit organizations to ensure that the barriers and stigma that have historically kept women out of STEM fields is put to a stop.
