From Stereotypes to Success: Girls Take Center Stage in STEM

Young girls, who once might have shied away from science and technology, are now confidently coding, building, and problem-solving alongside their peers in classrooms filled with robots, computers, and lab experiments.

Thanks to a growing movement to integrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education into schools, the doors to innovation are swinging wide open for girls around the world.

What used to be seen as “boys’ work” is now transforming into an inclusive space where girls are not only welcomed but encouraged to thrive. The result? A new generation of female engineers, computer scientists, mathematicians, and innovators is rising, poised to reshape industries and redefine what’s possible.

Bridging the Gender Gap in STEM

For decades, STEM fields have been overwhelmingly male-dominated. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), women make up less than 30% of the world’s researchers, with even lower numbers in tech-focused industries like engineering and computer science.

Despite girls often performing equally well, or even better than boys, in math and science during their school years, many are discouraged from pursuing these subjects later in life. The reasons are complex, ranging from gender stereotypes to a lack of female role models in STEM careers.

Take Princess Bena Kodam Takyi, a 12-year-old student at Abomosu STEM Senior High School in Ghana, for example. Before joining her school’s STEM club, she had never thought of herself as a “math person.” But after building her first robot, she realized she had a skill for engineering. “I always thought that was something boys did,” she admits. “But now, I want to be an engineer and invent things that can help people.”

Girls like Princess Bena Kodam Takyi are proof that STEM education can be a game-changer. By nurturing their talents and encouraging them to pursue their passions, STEM opens doors to future careers that might otherwise have seemed out of reach.

However, the tide is turning. Educators, policymakers, and organizations are now focusing on ways to break these barriers and ensure girls have the same opportunities as boys to explore STEM fields. Schools worldwide offer specialized STEM programs and after-school clubs to ignite young girls’ interest in these subjects.

“We need to foster an environment where girls feel just as capable and welcomed in STEM as boys. It is about creating role models, providing resources, and making STEM education exciting and relevant to their lives. We need to empower young women to break into the technology space and challenge the notion that tech careers are reserved for men,” Florence Toffa, Director of Mobile Web Ghana, disclosed in an interview.

STEM as a Path to Empowerment

At its core, STEM education is about more than just learning formulas or building machines. It’s about cultivating a mindset of curiosity, critical thinking, and resilience. For young girls, these skills can carry them far beyond the classroom.

According to Florence Toffa, a digital expert who has seen firsthand the transformation in her female trainees, STEM gives girls the tools to solve real-world problems, and that’s incredibly empowering. Once they see they can code, build a robot, or solve a complex math problem, their confidence soars. They start to see themselves as leaders and innovators.

Career Opportunities and Economic Empowerment

The push for girls in STEM isn’t just about personal empowerment—it’s also about preparing them for the future job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in STEM fields are expected to grow faster than in other industries, with median salaries significantly higher than the national average.

However, women remain underrepresented in these fields, particularly in higher-paying jobs like engineering, data science, and computer programming. By encouraging girls to pursue STEM education early, we are setting them up for success in industries where demand is growing. These are jobs that require creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability—skills that young girls can develop through STEM education.

“STEM careers are where the future is,” says Florence Toffa. “Whether it’s developing new technologies, tackling climate change, or innovating in healthcare, these fields will shape the world we live in. We need to ensure that women have a seat at the table, not just for gender equality but because diversity of thought leads to better solutions.”

The Importance of Role Models and Mentorship

One of the most powerful ways to inspire young girls to pursue STEM is through the presence of role models. Seeing successful women thriving in STEM careers helps girls envision themselves in those same roles.

According to Ghana’s Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, who frequently speaks at ICT events to encourage girls to pursue STEM,  “When I was growing up, I didn’t see women like me in these fields, and that made it harder to imagine myself in that space. Now, I make it a point to show girls that they belong in STEM and that they can achieve great things.

Programs like Girls-in-ICT and the MTN GirlCode Hackathon are changing the game in Ghana by connecting young girls with mentors and providing them with the support they need to succeed. These initiatives are not only building skills but also creating a community where girls can thrive.”

Creating a Future of Innovators

The world is changing rapidly, and the challenges we face—from climate change to global health crises—require innovative, diverse minds to tackle them. STEM education offers young girls the tools to be part of these solutions, not just as participants but as leaders.

Investing in girls’ STEM education isn’t just about preparing them for jobs; it’s about preparing them to make meaningful contributions to society. When girls see themselves as capable, creative problem-solvers, they become empowered to drive change in their communities and beyond.

As the movement for gender equality in STEM continues to gain momentum, it’s clear that the future will be brighter with more women at the forefront of innovation. For young girls like Princess Bena Kodam Takyi and millions of others, the message is clear: STEM is for you. The future is for you.

A Critical Investment Required

Breaking barriers in STEM education requires collective action from all sectors of society. Corporate bodies, educational institutions, and communities need to come together to champion the cause and ensure its continued growth. Government initiatives alone are inadequate to address deep-seated gender disparities in the fields of science and technology.

Corporate organizations, especially those in technology, engineering, and innovation-driven industries, must rise to the challenge by investing in STEM programs, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities for young girls. These investments not only complement government efforts but also help create a sustainable ecosystem where talent from diverse backgrounds can thrive.

Investing in STEM education drives gender equality and economic progress. By ensuring that young women have the skills and confidence to succeed in these fields, we are investing in the future of innovation and societal advancement.

Parental Support is Extremely Crucial

Parental support is essential in shaping a child’s future, especially when it comes to STEM education. Parents and guardians should encourage their children’s interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The days when parents dictated their children’s educational choices are over. Today, parents must recognize and respect their children’s talents, passions, and aptitudes.

Allowing children to choose subjects and courses they are genuinely interested in fosters a sense of independence, which in turn enhances their motivation and engagement. Parents who support their children’s interests—whether in engineering, computer science, or any other STEM field—play a critical role in building their confidence and future success.

Moreover, parental encouragement can help break down outdated gender stereotypes, allowing both boys and girls to pursue STEM careers with equal enthusiasm.

By combining parental support with academic and societal encouragement, we can create an environment where students are empowered to realize their full potential and pursue careers that align with their interests and the demands of the job market.

Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo/newsghana.com.gh