EbonyHerald Stores Ebony Herald News24
Related Articles
Women in STEM: Challenges and Triumphs
The story of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is a tale of unyielding brilliance and boundless potential. It is a journey that began with whispers of doubt but has now become a symphony of success. Across Nigeria, Africa, and the world, women are not just breaking glass ceilings—they are shattering them into glittering confetti, lighting the path for the next generation.
Once upon a time, the world doubted the capabilities of women. STEM was seen as a fortress, guarded by societal stereotypes and cultural barriers. Today, women have not only stormed that fortress they have claimed it as their own. From medicine to engineering, law to astrophysics, women are rising like the sun, illuminating every corner of the professional landscape.
In Nigeria, the rise of women in STEM is as vibrant as the nation itself. Girls who once sat at the back of classrooms, discouraged from dreaming too big, are now doctors saving lives, engineers building skyscrapers, and tech innovators transforming the digital landscape. Names like Dr. Francesca Nneka Okeke, who redefined climate science, and Dr. Ola Brown, the founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria, stand tall as evidence that Nigerian women are forces to be reckoned with.
On the African stage, women are painting the continent with their brilliance. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, a biodiversity scientist and former President of Mauritius, exemplifies how women can excel in both science and leadership. Similarly, Kenyan engineer Susan Oguya co-founded M-Farm, a mobile app that empowers African farmers with market information, proving that women are the heart of innovation on the continent.
Globally, the achievements of women in STEM are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Dr. Katie Bouman’s work on imaging a black hole, Marie Curie’s groundbreaking discoveries in radioactivity, and Ada Lovelace’s foundational work in computing remind us that the contributions of women are woven into the very fabric of science and technology.
The world has yet to see the full brilliance of women. What we are witnessing is only the prelude to an extraordinary symphony. As the saying goes, “You haven’t seen anything yet.” Women are not just here to participate, they are here to dominate, innovate, and lead.
Our girls are now doctors, lawyers, engineers, and scientists. They are CEOs, policymakers, astronauts, and thought leaders. They are proving that the sky is not the limit it is merely the beginning. From the courtroom to the laboratory, from boardrooms to operating rooms, women are leaving indelible marks, and the world is better for it.
Imagine a future where women lead on most parastatal, where female scientists spearhead breakthroughs in medicine, female engineers design cities of the future, and female coders revolutionize artificial intelligence. That future is closer than we think. Women are not just coming; they are preparing to redefine what is possible.
While we celebrate the milestones achieved, we must also recognize the untapped potential that lies within our girls and women. Programs like “Girls in ICT” in Nigeria and initiatives like African Women in Science and Engineering (AWSE) are setting the stage for a new era. They are equipping young women with skills, confidence, and opportunities to soar.
Yet, our work is not done. We must continue to nurture the dreams of young girls, to tell them that their aspirations are valid and their potential is limitless. Parents must encourage curiosity, teachers must champion equality, and governments must invest in education and infrastructure to ensure no girl is left behind.
Readers, women have shown the world that they are not just contributors to STEM—they are trailblazers. Their achievements remind us of the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” By empowering women, we empower nations.
The next time you see a young girl scribbling equations in her notebook or sketching designs in her diary, know that she is the future. She is the engineer who will build bridges, the scientist who will cure diseases, the astronaut who will explore galaxies, and the leader who will inspire generations.
Let the world take note: women are here, and they are unstoppable. To every woman in STEM, to every girl with a dream, we say this: Keep climbing, keep striving, and keep shining. The best is yet to come.
Falilat Oreoluwa Dikko, a feminist/ public affairs analyst writes from Lagos Nigeria
Email address
Kehindedikko@gmail.com
Tel- 07034484445
