By Dan Orero
By Dan Orero
Every year on February 11, the world celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day dedicated to recognizing the critical role women and girls play in science, technology and to championing their inclusion in STEM fields.
For CEMASTEA, this day resonates deeply in transforming STEM education and closing the gender gap in classrooms across Africa. This year, CEMASTEA marked the celebration at Our Lady Queen of Peace Shikondi Girls’ Secondary School in Kakamega County, under the theme: From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap. The event was part of CEMASTEA’s ongoing STEM Mentorship Programme.
Professor Catherine M. Aurah (left), Associate Professor of Science Education at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kakamega County Director of Education, Mr. Stephen Abere (centre) and Shikondi Girls’ Principal, Madam Violet Musotsi (right), during the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebration organized by CEMASTEA at Shikondi Girls’.
The Principal of Shikondi Girls, Madam Violet Musotsi expressed gratitude to CEMASTEA for choosing their school as a venue for this year’s celebration. She lauded the institution’s efforts in creating opportunities for girls’ to engage with STEM subjects in meaningful ways.
The Kakamega County Director of Education, Mr. Stephen Abere, encouraged the learners to embrace persistence and positive thinking, reminding them that challenges are temporary and can be overcome with confidence and self-motivation. He urged the girls to break free from limiting mindsets and seize the opportunities presented through CEMASTEA’s outreach activities.
The chief guest, Professor Catherine M. Aurah, emphasized the importance of dismantling stereotypes that portray STEM as a male dominated field. She illustrated how STEM is embedded in everyday life and encouraged the girls to approach science and mathematics with creativity, collaboration and empathy. Professor Aurah challenged the learners to envision themselves as innovators and solution providers, urging them to cultivate role models and personal visions that would fuel their journey toward success.
Learners at Shikondi Girls’ actively exploring and engaging with various STEM equipment and learning stations facilitated by CEMASTEA during the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Teachers too were reminded of their pivotal role as mentors. They were encouraged to make STEM subjects engaging and foster collaborative learning environments that nurture curiosity and confidence among learners.
Beyond Shikondi Girls, CEMASTEA extended its outreach to Iluya Junior School, where learners in Grades 7, 8 and 9 participated in hands-on sessions in integrated science and mathematics. The Head of Institution, Mr. Wickson Shikutwa, praised the programme for sparking mindset change among learners and promised greater uptake of STEM subjects with continued mentorship.
Learners at Iluya Junior School actively exploring and engaging with various STEM equipment and learning stations facilitated by CEMASTEA during an outreach at the school
Learners from both schools expressed joy and excitement at the interactive activities, noting that the hands-on experiences helped them understand STEM concepts more clearly and inspired them to dream bigger.
In addition to mentorship and STEM activities, CEMASTEA also distributed tree seedlings to both Shikondi Girls’ and Iluya Junior School. Learners and teachers joined hands to plant the seedlings on the day, symbolizing growth, sustainability and the nurturing of future generations. This act reinforced the message that STEM is not only about innovation but also about caring for the environment and building a sustainable future.
Tree planting sessions held at Shikondi Girls’ and Iluya Junior School respectively, fostering environmental stewardship and sustainability among learners.
The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is more than a celebration for CEMASTEA, it is a reaffirmation of its vision to bridge the gender gap in STEM education. By bringing mentorship, outreach and practical learning experiences to schools across Kenya, CEMASTEA is not only inspiring girls to pursue STEM but also equipping teachers and institutions to sustain this transformation.
Each celebration and outreach activity builds on the vision of a Kenya where girls stand shoulder to shoulder with boys in science and innovation.
As CEMASTEA continues to expand its reach, the message is clear: STEM is for everyone and by closing the gender gap; we redefine the future of innovation in Kenya.
