International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024
Tinotenda
I’m Head Girl at my school, Junior MP for my district, an aspiring neuroscientist and powerful education advocate — inspiring girls with my passion for science.
Our sisters in STEM leading transformation across Africa
This International Day of Women and Girls in Science, February 11, we’re celebrating members of our CAMFED Association of women leaders in typically male-dominated STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, who are driving forward solutions to some of their communities’—and the world’s—most pressing challenges. Their fearlessness and determination is inspiring the next generation of girls to pursue careers in STEM, break the cycle of poverty and lead transformation in their communities and across Africa.
Promoting female role models and highlighting successful women in the field is key, as girls and young women need to see other successful women in STEM to know that it is possible.
Khadija, Computer Scientist, Ghana
Khadija, Computer Scientist, Ghana
I’m proud of myself and the other young women succeeding in this field, owing not to privilege but to pure determination and self-belief.
Growing up, I didn’t have my own computer, so I would save up my lunch money to access an internet café. After completing school with CAMFED support, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the University for Development Studies in Tamale through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, and then a Master’s degree in Mathematical Sciences at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Ghana.
As a role model and trailblazer in my field, I have been invited to attend many events to motivate and inspire young women around the world. Passionate about seeing more women succeed in male-dominated fields, I share my knowledge and offer mentoring support to girls and young women who are interested in pursuing careers in STEM.
Now studying for a PhD in Machine Intelligence, I am another step closer to achieving my long-term goal of leading a research laboratory in machine learning, where I plan to harness cutting-edge technology innovation to develop solutions that address pressing real-world problems.
Being a tech game changer means using technology to solve real-world problems and making a positive impact on society. It requires a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to use technology for the greater good.Khadija, Computer Scientist, Ghana
Hear from future STEM leaders!
With financial support and mentoring from CAMFED, these students are thriving in school, pursuing their passion for STEM subjects and reaching for their dreams.
Carren, Zambia
My future ambition is to become a surgeon because I want to help people who need treatment. As a female surgeon in Zambia, I will inspire others to work hard and to fulfil their goals.
Zaituni, Tanzania
I’m a student from Tanzania who loves science! I especially enjoy learning about disease prevention and treatment. To my fellow girls: STEM subjects are not just for boys—women can be researchers, microbiologists, and so much more!
Rebecca, Medical student, Malawi
My vision is to pursue a Master’s degree and a PhD. I’m planning on providing health services to my community as a way of giving back. With CAMFED behind me, I have that confidence that I can achieve all my goals.
I was born in a small village in Zomba district, Malawi, where I attended primary school. My parents were unable to meet the costs of my secondary education and this was when I was selected to receive support through the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at CAMFED Malawi. I excelled academically, graduated secondary school with very high grades, and secured a place to study for a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at Kamuzu University of Health Science, Malawi.
Committed to giving back to my community, I reach out to students across six primary and secondary schools to deliver motivational talks. When I was in secondary school, my parents would call me ‘Dr. Rebecca’, to encourage me to dream big—now I am on the way to making this a reality!
Just like a river that never flows back, I keep on aiming high and focusing on my dream of becoming a neurosurgeon.Rebecca, Medical student, Malawi
Advancing women and girls in STEM through partnership
CAMFED Ghana has entered a partnership with the Centre for Distance Learning and Open Schooling (CENDLOS) to enhance education opportunities for girls. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focuses on promoting ICT and STEM education through collaborative initiatives, including sharing relevant content, expertise, data, and best practices to guide interventions. This aligns with CAMFED’s commitment to complement government efforts of expanding access to quality education for all Ghanaian children.
Read the article on Zed Multimedia