UN WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE DAY

CELEBRATED IN ZIMBABWE TO COMMEMORATE WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE IN ZIMBABWE

On the eleventh of February every year, it is the United Nations International Day for Women and Girls in Science. It’s a day to celebrate females that are breaking new ground in the Science Industry as well as young girls that are studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects. This event was organized by an organization based in Zimbabwe called Girls in Stem Trust, in collaboration with the United Nations as well government departments and sponsors. I spoke with Vicky, the founder of Girls in Stem Trust to learn more about the event and its significance.

This event took place in Bulawayo, a city in the Matabeleland Province of Zimbabwe on the fourteenth of February at the city’s National Art Gallery. It was a celebration and commemoration of the of all the women and girls trailblazing in STEM-related studies and careers. The theme this year was ‘INVESTMENT IN WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SCIENCE FOR INCLUSIVE GREEN GROWTH’.

The program included the STEM Exhibition for career awareness that was showcased for the attendants. Some inspiring testimonials by some girls who are in the STEM Trust Alumni was included in the program. They each narrated their experiences in the world of Science and Technology, which left the student attendants in awe, motivated and filled with hope for their future in the industry.

Students from over 10 high schools within the Matabeleland Province managed to attend the event, as well as the Girls In STEM Trust Alumni who represent a large number of Bulawayo schools. In addition to this, female members of the Bulawayo Junior Council graced the event. The students ranged from 14 to 28 years of age. This was a female focused event to celebrate the milestones of Girls and Women in Science.

The highlight of the event was the "Women in Science Indaba" that was lead by five female panelists from different STEM related industries, from the banking sector to medical as well as education. They engaged with the girls and answered questions and gave guidance that relates to their STEM careers such as:

-highlighting the importance of supporting girls who are pursuing STEM related studies

-Sharing the Bulawayo Province statistics from the 2019 national examinations which showed an increase in female learners doing exceedingly well in STEM studies across the board.

-Speaking about the importance of being a woman in FinTech and why girls should embrace being digitally literate to remain relevant in their careers, in this era of digital advancement.

-Encouraging the girls to venture into Science and to understand the vital role of STEM careers in our society and for our economy, like a Medical Laboratory Scientist for example.

-Discussing the importance of women in technology and how it can be used to improve the significant areas such as the agricultural sector in the country, to help address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which address Zero Hunger and Good Health and Well-being respectively.

-Reinforcing the fact that it is important for Women in Science to become Entrepreneurs and highlighted to the girls how important it is to build their own personal brands from the innovative solutions that they come up with to better their communities and the economy of the country.

The Panelists: Dr Sabine Homman from ICRISAT, Nontokozo Masuku from Aura Factor, Nonhlanhla Nyoni from Cimas Medical Laboratories, Felicity Tombindo from CABS and Sekai Chikavanga representing the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Bulawayo Province.

Another exciting part of the Program was the STEM Quiz, which was a fun competition for the girls. There were three teams made up of Girls in STEM Trust Alumni, battling it out for the ultimate Prize of Smart Watches.

The event was a great success not only for the stakeholders, but for the students. Zimbabwe has always been known for the efforts it makes in the education sector and an event such as this is a true reflection of the values of the community to educate its young girls to be the best that they can be.

I spoke to Victoria about Girls in STEM Zimbabwe, to get to know more about her organization. Ms. Victoria Ngono is the Founder and Executive Director of Girls In STEM Trust.

GIRLS IN STEM TRUST

Girls in STEM Trust is a non-profit organization, founded in partnership with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education as well as the City of Bulawayo to further advance the interests of young women and girls in STEM in our community. As a woman in tech herself, Victoria was focused on encouraging and empowering girls to pursue STEM-related studies, careers and businesses, and to equip them with tangible, relevant digital and technological skills that they need to succeed not only in the STEM environment, and most importantly empower their communities. This organization is making great strides in making sure that more and more young girls take up STEM studies and pursue a good career in one of the industries.

Today Girls in STEM Trust is running various programs in Zimbabwe to equip women and girls in many ways.

AFRICA CODE WEEK is a program sponsored by Google, SAP and UNESCO which is carried out in 37 African countries including Zimbabwe. Ms. Victoria Ngono is one of the Country Ambassadors for Zimbabwe for this program. Africa Code Week ensures that all the youth in Africa are exposed to their first line of code.

The DIGITAL SKILLS TRAINING AND MENTORSHIP SESSIONS are done throughout the year to create well-rounded professionals ready to enter the job market of today, that are digitally literate and workforce ready upon completion of their studies.

THE QUARERLY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM introduces the girls to the "real-world" of work and expose them to best practices and cultures within desired STEM career workplaces.

This year, Girls in STEM will be hosting their annual STEM Careers Fair. They will also run Mentorship Bootcamps throughout the year for the girls and young women where they will receive career counselling and guidance from different female mentors who encourage the girls to pursue different STEM-related careers and businesses.

Girls In STEM Trust was honored to have partnered with a number of stakeholders to give the event the recognition that it deserves. Namely these were, ICRISAT, Computer Society of Zimbabwe, Educate Pvt Ltd, Centre For Innovation and Technology, ZOL Zimbabwe, Askeland Media and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Exhibitions to showcase possible STEM career paths for all attendees were held by ICRISAT, Krain Laboratories, LEC Biotech, ZOL Zimbabwe, CABS, Speciss College, Askeland Media, Computer Society of Zimbabwe and Baobab Educational Assessment Centre.

Girls in STEM Trust is found across all social media platforms with content that educates the masses.

Twitter: @girlsinstemzw

Instagram: @girlsinstemzw

Facebook Page: Girls in STEM Trust

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzjOlW2RdZEikAIePQfA5hg

Website: www.girlsinstemtrust.org