Story by Wellington Makonese
THE government has announced plans to increase support for vulnerable girls pursuing studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
This initiative is part of efforts to reduce the gender gap in STEM fields and drive industrialisation through scientific progress.
The announcement follows the Women in Science Symposium in Harare, which showcased groundbreaking innovations by women in various scientific fields.
As part of the plan, the government aims to expand STEM scholarships for women, ensuring greater participation in these critical sectors. This move aligns with the country’s goals for industrialisation and scientific advancement.
“STEM products are only 28% of our female population, we want to increase that figure by 2030 and in that regard, I would like to advise the Permanent Secretary to talk to partners to increase the scholarship for STEM students because it is through that route we can increase the number,” the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science, and Technology Development, Ambassador Frederick Shava said.
“We have had women excelling in various quarters, let us continue encouraging women to excel, now we have Kirsty Coventry as IOC president, and now we saw Namibia having a female president.”
Women recognised in fields that include engineering, computer science and aviation believe they have more to contribute towards national development.
“There are a lot of challenges women face in male-dominated industries, but I am glad to see more young women coming. They have been contributing in the construction and infrastructure development,” Women in Engineering representative, Engineer Beverly Nyakutsikwa said.
“As a woman, I have been elected into several international boards and this is great that I am being noticed locally and the contributions we are making for the country,” Computer Science of Zimbabwe representative, Joyce Benza said.
“This has been a great platform for women, demonstrating how increased investment in women-led innovations could transform the healthcare sector. Indeed Vision 2030 is achievable and our contributions are sure to be much,” the founder of Elevate Trust (organiser), Ms Scelo Dube said.
Held under the theme: “Empowering Women in STEM for a Sustainable Future,” the conference attracted female scientists, students, researchers and industry leaders from across the country.
Over the years, women’s participation in STEM fields has remained significantly lower than that of men due to factors which include limited access to funding, cultural biases, and lack of mentorship opportunities.
Recognising this gap, the government has introduced various initiatives, including mentorship programmes, grants and partnerships with universities, to encourage young girls to pursue science-related careers.
Experts argue that increasing female representation in STEM is essential for driving innovation, economic growth and sustainable development.
