Intel, FAWE to boost science skills among women

The Forum for African Women Educationalists, in collaboration with Intel, has launched the All Africa Girls Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics competition, aimed at increasing female representation in the areas.

According to Humanipo.com, the inaugural competition took place in Nairobi, Kenya on August 13 and 14, and featured a team of 35 female finalists drawn from the 15 African countries where FAWE has a presence.

“The technology sector has recently faced allegations of being a male-dominated sector. Partly to blame for the situation is that not many women pick a career path in technology,” said Intel’s Africa Programme Director, Suraj Shah.

He said, “Intel has chosen to be at the forefront of promoting gender balance and female participation in the technology sector, especially in Africa where technology’s contribution to the economy has been growing at a fast pace.”

Countries participating in the competition included Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya – which sent six participants –, Malawi, Mali, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia and Zanzibar.

The All Africa Girls STEM competition hopes to enhance girls’ interest, participation and performance in STEM subjects, and to help girls pursue careers in these fields.

Shah added, “FAWE has been giving incentives and encouraging girls to actively participate in STEM,” said Martha Muhwezi, senior programme coordinating officer at FAWE’s regional secretariat.

“Initiatives such as the regional competition are a strong incentive for girls in high school where such subjects are commonly perceived as difficult or as male domains. A balanced gender participation in STEMS eventually benefits society by uplifting the economic status of women in the society.”

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