HerSTEM Initiative: FAME Foundation Partners with the Switzerland Embassy in Nigeria
STEM is An Approach to Learning and Development That Integrates The Areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Through STEM, individuals develop skills such as problem-solving, creativity, critical analysis, digital literacy, and many more.
STEM education is very crucial for the future of Nigeria and has far-reaching implications that affect all industries including food production, manufacturing, and healthcare. However, it has been observed that STEM in Nigeria is still at its infancy stage, as several challenges cause the progress slower.
Women make up only 28% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with men vastly outnumbering women in most STEM fields. These are due to gender stereotypes,
male-dominated cultures, fewer role models, and mathematics anxiety. This figure has led to a huge gender gap in the fastest-growing jobs of the future.
Research reveals that people with disabilities experience a lower level of career success than those without disabilities. They are less likely to attend college, pursue STEM courses, and earn degrees. Coupled with the fact that there is a gender gap in the field of STEM. Women and girls with disabilities face twice that setback. People with disabilities who are females face additional challenges in their pursuit of STEM careers.
FAME Foundation in partnership with the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria is set to embark on the HerSTEM Initiative to teach young girls and women between ages 10-25, technical skills in the discipline of STEM. Technology is the future of work; many young Nigerians are upskilling in technology to be relevant and employable.
HerSTEM aims to address the issues of lack of access to quality technical education that women and girls with disabilities face. We plan to utilize a well-detailed and up-to-standard curriculum to guide our trained teachers in equipping the women and girls appropriately.
“Women and girls with disabilities need empowerment, not pity,” said Ms. Aderonke Bello, FAME Foundation’s Executive Director.
We are also in partnership with the Ministry of Science and Technology to empower these women and girls with the necessary skills that will enable them to compete favorably in the 21st century.
The HerSTEM Initiative is to be launched on the 23rd of April to commemorate International Day of Girls in ICT. STEM courses are to commence fully in May 2021.
