The Sunday Mail
Prof Francisca Mutapi
ON December 22, 2015, a historic event occurred.
The United Nations General Assembly designated February 11 the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
The day is meant to promote women’s full and equal access to and participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
In Zimbabwe, this day is celebrated by several organisations through highlighting successful local female scientists.
Last year, the UNESCO regional office for Southern Africa – in partnership with UN Women, the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) and Elevate Trust – celebrated the day at the University of Zimbabwe.
The event was attended by students and female scientists to both recognise and celebrate women’s role in science and inspire the next generation of scientists.
There have been similar events in previous years, and all of them call for more investment in women and girls in science.
Annual celebrations are good, but there is need to do more, and to do it in a targeted and strategic way.
The uptake of science in all aspects of African life is slow, and, in some cases, shunned due to lack of understanding by the end user.
Science is the bedrock of economic development and welfare, cutting across all sectors — agriculture, health, nutrition, food security and conservation.
It is, therefore, critical that we engage society in both the use and delivery of scientific solutions and technologies for everyday life.
A good example of where this is already happening is digital technology and devices.
About nine out of every 10 households in Zimbabwe have a mobile phone.
The uptake of mobile phones has been quick and this has been matched by the scientific advancements that use the device for several functions.
For example, Zimbabwean farmers use their mobile phones to access market information on inputs and produce; advisory services; weather data; and mobile phone money transfers for transactions and crop insurance.
This example demonstrates the synergistic relationship between the development of a STEM concept and its rise in demand and use at grassroots level.
In order to grow STEM among women and girls in Zimbabwe, it is necessary to take the population at grassroots with you.
The best way to do this is to engage with the population at the earliest possible time.
The first step is to demystify science at home.
Rural Zimbabwe provides an excellent opportunity for this.
As children accompany adults in day-to-day activities, it is critical to nurture their interest in their surroundings and encourage them to observe and ask questions.
As adults, it is fine to admit not knowing and encouraging them to continue looking for answers.
Zimbabwe’s most successful scientists at home and abroad attribute their love for science to interactions with older family members and day-to-day life experiences.
Beyond the family, each one of us can play a role to ensure women and girls are part of these conversations, and that they are encouraged and supported in growing their interest in science.
I have always highlighted the importance of a supportive and nurturing environment for young scientists.
Throughout my career, starting from senior school, I have had fantastic champions.
They were senior academics who nurtured and supported my interests in science and research.
We all need such individuals – whether they be a champion, mentor or role model.
Similarly, we also need to pass this on, that is, nurture and support the next generation.
I have been incredibly lucky because my champions and supporters have always given me their time, support and shared their wisdom.
A combination of support and encouragement in the home and outside, and not just in school, will build a nurturing environment for our women and girls aspiring to be scientists.
Therefore, each and every one of us can make a significant contribution to building a strong foundation for Zimbabwean women and girls to grow and thrive in STEM careers.
