African women have convened in Rwanda for a two-and-a-half-day conference to discuss barriers that women and girls face in pursuing science fields at the university level. They have voiced concern over the low representation of women studying science in universities, describing it as “a drop in the ocean” and emphasizing how this disparity hinders women’s personal and professional growth, as well as their contributions to national development.
Women with advanced science degrees from institutions abroad highlighted the need to create a more inclusive academic environment back home, one that encourages young women to pursue science. Dr. Marie Chantal Cyurinyana, from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in providing girls with opportunities to study science. *“This is something everyone must work towards so that science knowledge can benefit all, especially girls, women, and their countries,”* she stated.
Prof. Cecil Naphtaly M. Ouma, a faculty member at AIMS, noted that the conference in Rwanda provides a platform for participants to gain insights into the challenges facing young women in science and potential solutions. Prof. Ouma explained that the sessions would include women scientists sharing personal experiences, serving as role models and inspiration for the next generation of female students.
The conference’s goal is to encourage young girls to pursue science, equipping them with skills to create self-employment opportunities after graduation. Prof. Sam Yala, head of AIMS Rwanda, assured that AIMS operates as a gender-inclusive institution where both male and female students have equal opportunities. *“In the coming years, we aim for gender parity in our student body, which aligns with Rwanda’s national policies,”* Prof. Yala affirmed. He added that this goal has already seen success in AIMS Ghana’s branch, where female enrollment in science programs is notably high.
Highlighting the essential resources needed for academic success, Prof. Yala stressed the importance of adequate learning materials for all students. In a lighthearted note, he described AIMS as an institution led by committed individuals who are willing to work beyond regular hours.
This conference, known as the African Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists (ACWES), has placed a spotlight on increasing women’s representation in scientific research, currently at 31%. Dr. Cyurinyana emphasized that boosting this percentage remains a key objective for the organization, with a vision of empowering more African women to advance in science and technology.
