Kassim Kalinaki, Cletah Shoko, Mary Immaculate Neh Fru, Arioluwa Aribisala, Mousmi Ajay Chaurasia, Sunni Kanta Prasad Kushwaha
Abstract: The underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields remains a pressing challenge across Africa. This gender disparity not only impedes women’s advancement in these vital sectors but also deprives nations of the potential contributions and innovative solutions that a diverse workforce can offer. Studies show that sociocultural, economic, and systemic factors contribute to the low participation of African women in STEM disciplines [1], [2]. With women accounting for only 30% of STEM professionals in Africa [3], initiatives like the United Nations (UN) Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s STEM and Gender Advancement [4] have been launched to address this issue. Additionally, the African Development Bank’s gender equality index tracks the progress of appointing women to positions of responsibility, monitoring African women’s representation [3].