By Winnie Tewendi

The Gender Equity Office in partnership with the Alumni Relations Department held a webinar focusing on women in STEM to celebrate International Day for Women and Girls in Science. Women worldwide continue to face significant barriers in STEM fields. While progress has been made in Kenya, societal stereotypes and a lack of role models remain persistent challenges. Recognizing that women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are underrepresented, the university is committed to changing this narrative. Armed with more than just diversity and inclusion policies, the university seeks to empower female students by fostering personal growth while driving innovation and progress in these essential fields.

The webinar featured a panel discussion where alumni who have made significant strides in STEM leadership engaged in insightful conversations about their personal experiences, balancing work and family, overcoming fears, and the significance of networking. Each panelist shared their journey of breaking barriers in their respective careers. They emphasized the importance of confidence, preparation, and continuous learning in attaining leadership roles.

The discussion also covered financial management challenges women face and the importance of advocating for more female leaders across all sectors. They highlighted common pitfalls, such as second-guessing financial decisions, and called for a more nuanced representation of women’s experiences in STEM. Additionally, they explored issues to do with fear and self-doubt in professional settings as well as coping strategies, including affirmations and gradual exposure to challenges.

Key highlights of the webinar were the personal experiences from Ms. Dolly Sagwe who shared her story of stepping away from a high-profile job at Hewlett Packard to focus on family and financial literacy, demonstrating the value of self-reflection and Marion Gathoga-Mwangi who recounted her experience of relocating to Botswana while pregnant, highlighting the need to align career choices with personal values.

Balancing work and family life was another crucial theme with discussions exploring the importance of nurturing relationships with friends and family to maintain one’s well-being. Strategies for effective time management and knowing when to say no were also addressed.

The webinar ended on an uplifting note, inspiring attendees to focus on their strengths and seek support from others. They discussed career pathways for young women in STEM highlighting the significance of mentorship in navigating the job market. The attendees were encouraged to start financial planning early, build a strong professional network, and leverage platforms like LinkedIn.

USIU-Africa is more than just an educational institution; it is a nurturing environment for future leaders in STEM. By investing in women and fostering an inclusive culture, the university enhances the academic experiences of its female students while contributing to a more equitable society. Through these efforts, the university is actively shaping a world where gender equality in STEM is not just an aspiration but a reality.