On 9th February 2024, The National Council for Science and Technology (NCST), in collaboration with stakeholders including Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), Rwandan Association for Women in STEM (RAWISE), MasterCard Foundation Scholars program at the University of Rwanda (UR), Rwanda Polytechnics (RP), African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Rwanda, Rwanda National Commission for UNESCO (CNRU), Organization of Women in Science for Developing World (OWSD) Rwanda Chapter, Nyereka Tech and other partners, celebrated the International Day of Women and Girls in Science under the theme: “Rwanda’s journey to advancing Women and Girls in Science for sustainable Development”. The event took place at Kigali Serena Hotel and was officiated by the Hon. Dr. Valentine UWAMARIYA, Minister of Gender and Family Promotion, who highlighted Rwanda’s commitment to advancing women and girls in science for sustainable development.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015, addresses the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Global efforts are aimed at inspiring and empowering women and girls to pursue STEM careers and promoting gender equality in science.
Despite progress, the UNESCO report highlights that women represent only 33% of all researchers worldwide, with disparities in engineering (28%) and computer sciences (40%). In Rwanda, efforts are being made to address gender disparities in STEM education, but challenges persist, especially in higher education and research and development.
Therefore, the celebration aims to foster scientific and inspiring discussions, promoting equality in science, technology, and innovation for socio-economic sustainable development.
The event featured an exhibition showcasing the accomplishments of women and girls in developing practical solutions to societal issues in Rwanda, and interactive panel discussions with renowned scientists which allowed young aspiring women scientists with valuable insights.
At Nyereka Tech, we were honored to be among the esteemed partners commemorating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. It was a momentous occasion for us to showcase our passion and dedication towards empowering young women in the field of science. Through a compelling pitching session, we had the opportunity to demonstrate not just what we do, but also how we do it, particularly in nurturing and equipping our girls with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the realm of technology and innovation. It was a moment filled with pride and satisfaction as we shared our initiatives aimed at breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity in STEM education. We are committed to continuing this journey of empowerment, ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to explore her potential and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development.
