Female scholars and researchers in the field of Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics (STEM) have implored female students not to have the notion that Science subjects are not for the female gender.
Dr Lilian Kong’ani, the Head of Environmental Governance and Management said that girls should not be afraid of pursuing Science courses and urged girls not to be afraid of Science courses.
Speaking at an event called Mawazo Connects event for women researchers from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda that was held in Nairobi, Dr Kong’ani said that individuals should build their passion towards STEM subjects since the subjects are just like any other.
“The most important thing is to follow your heart and do what you are passionate about. I looked at the environment and saw what inspires me. Despite the challenges encountered in my field including discrimination as a woman, passion is what keeps me going,” said Kong’ani.
On her part, Dr Mercy Mwanja, Health Sciences PhD student at Makerere University said that the sciences are reserved for the male gender despite the challenges women in STEM fields go through.
“It is possible to overcome whatever challenges women in science face. Young women just need to believe in themselves first. Identify your strengths in STEM and your weaknesses and capitalize on them,” said Dr Mwanja.