Author: APET-CJED Secretariat

This post is the 3rd in a blog series to be published in 2020 by the Secretariat on behalf of the AU High Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET) and the Calestous Juma Executive Dialogue (CJED)

There is a universal recognition and acceptant that the optimal participation of youth and women in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) endeavours within African countries is pivotal in improving the continent’s socio-economic development as well as inclusion in the 4th Industrial Revolution.  The role of women and their untapped potential in STI and has been greatly highlighted during this COVID 19 pandemic.

While there have been significant strides by numerous African public and private institutions to improve the role and number of women in STI, several countries still trail behind in implementation.  Women account for more than half of the population in Africa and the untapped potential of qualified female scientists, researchers and innovators and/or leaders represents an important missing opportunity for inclusiveness of their knowledge, skills and competencies in this important sector. Consequently, in recognition of this missing link, the continent has embarked on addressing this important issue through relevant policy instruments and programmes.

Underpinned by the continental development blueprint, Agenda 2063, the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024), the Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2016-2025 (CESA 16 - 25), the AU Gender Policy and the African Youth Charter, among others, African countries have implemented different empowerment strategies and programmes for the youth and women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), science, technology and innovation. STISA-2024 aims at addressing historical and societal disadvantages towards girls and women in science, in order to promote better opportunities for women as well as all actors involved towards a mutually beneficial socio-economic development within Africa’s institutions. However, despite these efforts by Member States, persistent gender gaps remain in STI. 

From an education, research and development point of view, the involvement of women in STI can effectively bridge the STI implementation gap and increase immensely the role of African countries in harnessing innovation and emerging technologies as well as increase the GDP of these countries. This is because STI is recognized as a major driver for socio-economic transformation in creating wealth through an equitable distribution of resources and the sustainable socio-economic and cultural development of Africa’s citizens. Consequently, Africa is now tracking and monitoring countries’ performance in STI inclusive policies against international standards, and technical backstopping is provided where required. This is aimed at achieving the socio-economic and cultural development goals of Member States as well as AU’s Agenda 2063 and STISA-2024.

With a historical meritocratic set-up in academia, promoting greater participation by women is imperative in education systems and academia to foster inclusiveness and gender equality across board. This can include considerations on maternal responsibilities and addressing stereotypes and cultural and social norms that negatively impact the participation of women in STI education and career choices. Hence girls and women must be empowered to play a central role in the harnessing of innovation and emerging technologies in Africa.

To this end it is recommended that African countries promote increased participation of girls and women in STEM education, research and development, and innovation at all levels in compliance with the relevant national, regional and institutional STI instruments and provisions. Furthermore, African Union Member States are encouraged to increase the implementation of focused collaborative networks and mentorship programmes for girls and women so as to improve opportunities for recruitment, retention, and career advancement. Interestingly, several African countries have been instrumental in supporting the implementation of such policies. These enabling policies have included institutional awards for gender issues, fostering opportunities for women in relevant training and interventions, as well as balancing family and professional responsibilities for women.  However, there is still a lot more work to be done!

In conclusion, there is a call for African countries to address the cultural values and practices that hinder progress for young girls and women participation in STI education and career. The starting point is sharing the best practices on empowering both girls and women in scientific, technological, and innovation activities. There is overwhelming evidence that vividly demonstrates that young girls and women are more than capable to lead in STI fields such as manufacturing and industrialization, natural sciences, engineering and technologies, medicine and health sciences, agricultural and veterinary sciences, social science, and humanities, and arts.  Hence let us do the math: by allowing and empowering African girls and women to rise and increase their role in STI, they will significantly contribute to addressing global challenges, most particularly in Africa.

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