Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are subjects which are phasing huge ethnic and gender gaps across the globe, including Africa. This limits the infrastructure, innovation and industrialisation of the continent and hinders it from developing with the modern times. By providing information and resources for STEM education to marginalised communities we are contributing to reduced inequality and the opportunity for the continent to grow and develop

The STEM-field is currently facing a lack of ethnic groups and large gender gaps across the globe and therefore is an essential part to tackle SDG 11 – reduce inequalities. Girls and women are faced with stereotypes and lack of encouragement to enter the STEM-fields and disadvantaged communities often lack the resources to be able to teach in the classroom. These are issues which are particularly present in Africa, a continent which is in desperate need of infrastructure, innovation and industrialisation.

With STEM today are still seen to be very male-related subjects with less than 36% of graduates of these subjects being women. In Africa, this number is even lower. This project aims to promote and introduce these subjects to women in Africa to break the barriers for them to access these subjects and employment within these areas.

Through local partners, we want to provide disadvantaged communities and girls with information to encourage STEM subjects and professions; provide STEM equipment to disadvantaged schools and to offer innovative after-school programs to children to build a passion for STEM at an early age. This will include the participation of local teachers and community workers to ensure sustainability and ownership.

By encouraging children and youth across Africa to study STEM, we are not only reducing inequalities and gender differences but also contributing to a sustainable continent. Africa is currently phasing shortages in qualified doctors and health professionals, as well as engineers and programmes, professions which we know, are the professions of the future. This will therefore increase the quality of services and products being delivered in Africa and increase the standard of living.