It is usually the case that many girls do not pursue or continue in STEM fields for lack of motivation, in addition to the gender stereotyping barrier. Simply put, they do not have enough role models in these fields.
Fewer females than males study or work in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These fields are usually associated with masculinity. It is a gender stereotyping which begins at the early stages that girls are less capable of performing in STEM subjects. Society expects boys to score high grades in STEM subjects while girls are expected to perform better in languages and social sciences.
Right from early school, girls' STEM abilities are underestimated. Similarly, a male-dominated STEM culture is usually perpetuated in the workforce, where females are less likely to be employed in these fields after graduation than males. Some STEM work fields are inflexible and unsupportive of women's needs. For example, upon childbirth, women may suffer ‘penalties’ in the workplace, adding to the struggle for life-work balance that sets in. STEM fields are generally less family-friendly, so even after graduation with a STEM degree, females are less likely to join STEM work fields.
Besides, given their pivotal role in child rearing, they lose years of career advancement. Similarly, women in STEM stagnate in their careers as they are often overlooked for promotions or not considered for developmental opportunities. Moreover, gender stereotyping and sexual harassment are some of the issues that females have to contend with in the field. A thorn in the flesh for women in STEM is the gender discrimination, lack of confidence in their abilities and skills, and lack of a sense of belonging in these fields. Thus, from their early years, women face limitations to good performance in STEM subjects, pursuing STEM careers, staying in these careers, and advancing to top positions.
My passion for physics has its roots in primary school, where science, mathematics and English were my favourite subjects. In high school, I usually participated in the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair, where I showcased my research projects in mathematics and physics. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree, I opted to enrol for an MSc in physics and would later pursue a PhD in physics. I was intentional about pursuing an MSc, but I never imagined myself undertaking a doctoral in physics studies. I completed my PhD studies in a record time of two and half years with articles published in high-impact journals.
I have served in various leadership positions as a physics lecturer at Egerton University. I served as the Chairperson of the Department of Physics from 2020 to 2023 and as an advisory board member to the Institute of Women, Gender, and Development Studies. As an early career researcher, I have won grants and established a functional materials physics research lab. I am the leader of the materials physics research group at Egerton University.
My research mainly focuses on developing cutting-edge solar energy conversion materials and technologies. My research is primarily about the study contributing to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal seven, i.e., Affordable and Clean Energy. Thus, it aims to alleviate the global energy supply and demand challenges while securing environmental sustainability. I have experienced challenges throughout my career as a researcher. For example, in forming research teams, I have observed a lack of confidence from the males. It’s a scenario where a female has even better credentials than male staff, but the latter is preferred just because of the gender stereotyping in STEM. Thus, a female must prove herself while a male would have it because of confidence in the gender. Again, work-life balance has been an elephant to contend with. A female must put in extra effort to survive in STEM fields compared to a male.
As an educator and researcher, I am passionate about mentoring male and female students. It is usually the case that many girls do not pursue or continue in STEM fields for lack of motivation, in addition to the gender stereotyping barrier. Simply put, they do not have enough role models in these fields.
My experience working with female students is that they perform excellently and, at times, much better than the males when they have the task at heart. Female students exhibit the utmost diligence and perseverance to achieve set goals if they are passionate about the task. Even though statistics show fewer females in STEM fields, I believe that with concerted efforts, gender balance will be achieved someday in the near future because the issue is not in the gender makeup but rather a societal construction. As the adage goes, ‘Educate a woman, educate a nation,’’ females should be empowered to bring change in the STEM fields.
Article submitted by Tabitha Amollo
