Promoting women in STEM

“It’s a man’s world”. I get really irritated by this phrase. I believe that it should not even be given any attention, well at least not in this century. The science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are also considered to be a “man’s thing”. This may be because well, from the lower levels of education, mathematics and science were always considered to be “boys” subjects hence more boys seemed to do well in those subjects because girls shyed away from them.

I however have always dealt with anything that I found challenging head on, did well in my mathematics and sciences and currently pursuing a science related degree ( Forensic science). But, what about females who continue shying away from STEM based courses or fields? What about females who work in STEM based fields but feel somehow invincible at work? These females need a strong support system and a platform to present their skills and an environment where they will feel even more powerful.

Promoting women in STEM is not trying to replace men in their various positions or try to turn things around and create a “women’s world”. Promoting women in STEM is about showing women that they are more than capable of doing well in STEM courses or creating a name for themselves in the STEM fields. It is also about creating a platform where young girls will feel inspired and believe that they too are more than capable of being the next pioneers in STEM.

I have come across various clubs, movements and organisations that are for women in STEM development in Botswana. They operate in universities and on a much larger scale, focusing on STEM in general to technology and machine learning. These include (I may not be aware of other existing ones, so feel free to share);

1. She Heads Innovative Frameworks in Technology (S.H.I.F.T)
Facebook- S.H.I.F.T