Social workers and policy makers have spent a lot of time and effort on research trying to understand the disparity between genders in regards to science related careers. Although over the centuries employment laws have opened doors to opportunities for women to enter the employment force, women have had a difficult time engaging and penetrating the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related careers. STEM careers remain male dominated. The statistical variances are even larger between the different STEM areas. Women who engage in STEM have been more inclined to venture into sciences as opposed to math and engineering.
Studies in the US have suggested that this difference could be because of masculine cultures that may signal a lower sense of belonging for women, lack of early exposure and gender gaps in self-efficacy.
In Kenya and sub-Sahara Africa, the percentage of women in STEM is even more dismal compared to the West. Not only do fewer women participate, but even fewer complete their studies. The number of women enrolled in STEM studies, decreases as students go through their studies in what Dr Wandiri, at the Kenyatta University, Kenya termed as a “leaking pipeline.” Additional factors such as, stereotypes and the notion that STEM disciplines negatively affect career development, personal decisions like finding a spouse and family life have attributed to the lack of women involvement in STEM in Africa.
Zaidi-STEM founder, Njeri Mwaniki was born in a family where she and her siblings were the first in the family-line to attend school past their technical training and high school. Through her personal story and life as a testament of her parents’ access to education, she founded Zaidi STEM. Her inspiration from her mother Ndia, whom due to ability to attend school continues to change many lives beyond her immediate family’s.