Dr Pauline Wanjiku Kibui is investigating the differentiation of male germ cells in primates.
The situation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in Kenya reflects a global trend of underrepresentation, often referred to as a “leaky pipeline,” in which female participation declines from education to leadership roles. This progressive decline warrants urgent action.
Since 2023, a series of “Women in STEM” seminars has been organised by alumni, professors, and associates of the Interuniversity Programme in Molecular Biology (IPMB) to promote gender parity. This program is jointly organised by the Flemish universities Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), and Universiteit Antwerpen (UA).
The “Women in STEM” seminars were part of an advanced biotechnology and molecular biology workshop series, the International Training Programme (ITP), aimed at enhancing the capacity of trainers in Kenya. The trainers, comprising selected scholars from various Kenyan universities and research institutions, were well equipped to transfer the knowledge and skills they acquired to their colleagues and high school students.
The ITP workshops were held at the Kenya Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE, formerly IPR) in collaboration with the Flemish universities, providing valuable knowledge and mentorship from leading scientists and experts.
The inaugural seminar aimed to highlight the role of women in STEM, the challenges they face, and potential solutions to advance their careers. This successful seminar resulted in a report titled “Outlook of women in stem in 2023: Where are they?” The last workshop in July 2025 focused on practical strategies to tackle gender disparity. Over the three years, 48 Kenyan scholars and at least 349 online attendees participated, reaching an additional 1,269 participants through various outreach activities, all aimed at creating biotechnology awareness and empowering young female students to pursue STEM education.
In the seminars, five IPMB alumnae panelists, comprising Kenyan female researchers who studied in Flanders and now lead research initiatives, discussed their career trajectories and the challenges they encountered. The panelists included Dr Angela Makumi, who is researching bacteriophages at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Kenya; Dr Mary Esther Toili, an alumna of Vrije University Brussel (VUB) and a plant molecular research scientist focused on improving the processing traits of common bean utilising CRISPR-based genome editing technology; Dr Ivy Okello, who is studying cattle trypanosomiasis in Kenya; Dr. Faith Njeru, who is developing innovative technologies to enhance maize production in Kenya and the Global South; and Dr Pauline Wanjiku Kibui, who is investigating differentiation of male germ cells in primates at the University Clinic Münster, Germany. A roundtable discussion with all participants followed. During this seminar, we began by reflecting on the identified factors that impact the careers of young researchers in STEM.
Some of the participants at the Women in STEM seminar held in July 2025 at KIPRE, Kenya.
Major challenges affecting girls and young women in STEM
In our first seminar, we reported that women in STEM fields face a range of challenges across cultures, regions, and educational backgrounds, based on our survey findings. These challenges include a lack of female role models, systemic discrimination, sexual harassment, exclusionary cultural practices, and persistent stereotypes about women’s intellectual capabilities.
Despite numerous strategies proposed to address these issues, the ongoing attrition of women from STEM occupations remains a significant global concern. Therefore, a collaborative approach is essential for the successful implementation of these strategies at both personal and systemic levels. This approach should prioritise comprehensive changes within existing systems, rather than merely attempting to “fix women” through programs that focus exclusively on women.
Practical strategies to close the “Leaky pipeline” in STEM
This compilation will focus on strategies proposed to effectively address disparities in STEM in Kenyan society and, to some extent, across the Global South. The following strategies are outlined, although they are not exhaustive. Implementing gender-sensitive pedagogies and providing psychological support are essential measures that could significantly help mitigate disparities in STEM, given the crucial role parents play in children’s development. These efforts could be further enhanced through structural reforms and improved access to STEM courses, such as introducing a mobile STEM truck to serve rural areas lacking established scientific infrastructure. Additionally, redesigning educational systems to support girls’ early retention may increase their opportunities to focus on their studies rather than being held back by household responsibilities and cultural obligations.
Another strategy would be to increase the number of women in STEM, which creates a positive ripple effect by transforming institutions, challenging norms, and inspiring the next generation of girls to pursue careers in STEM. Each woman’s participation in STEM is of considerable significance. This impact is amplified when these women mentor, remain accessible, and provide opportunities to guide girls and young women. The importance of mentorship cannot be overstated; therefore, it is imperative that girls and young women aspiring to enter STEM careers be encouraged to participate in relevant organisations and attend seminars and conferences that facilitate interactions with like-minded individuals and provide access to mentors.
Notably, all seminar panelists are VLIR-UOS scholarship recipients, which significantly advanced their careers and provided access to world-class mentors and opportunities. Furthermore, they have received various prestigious awards and scholarships, including the L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Young Talents Programme in Sub-Saharan Africa, PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (RSIF), Merck Foundation Africa Training Fellowship, and Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) Professional Fellowship award by CIMMYT, a programme that also offers PhD and Masters study scholarships. Most critically, establishing professional networks and collaborations has been vital to advancing their careers, and this practice should be actively encouraged for women in STEM.
In Kenya, while there is substantial policy recognition of STEM fields, relevant metrics remain notably deficient. This deficiency hampers workforce development and complicates the evaluation of policy effectiveness. Additionally, policies such as parental leave need to be adequately implemented. Unfortunately, some institutions terminate contracts or withhold salaries from women who take maternity leave. The implicit bias rooted in patriarchy exacerbates gender disparities and contributes to the prevalence of imposter syndrome among women in STEM, often leading to incidents of sexual harassment. It is crucial to establish effective reporting systems and actions to address sexual misconduct at the institutional level. To mitigate imposter syndrome, participants advocated strategies to enhance confidence, including practising effective communication and drawing on inner wisdom when confronting criticism and fear.
In a related issue, some spouses are reluctant to allow their female partners to attend scientific seminars and conferences. A proposed solution is for conference organisers to permit delegates to bring their spouses, which could help provide exposure to the demands of attending such events. We also highlighted the need for child-friendly workplaces, workshops, and conferences. Former scholars from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), who are also IPMB alumni, reported that these services significantly enhanced their academic experience. We commend SUA for this proactive step in supporting women in STEM and encourage other institutions to follow its example. Other institutions, such as the University Clinic Münster in Germany, offer several supportive measures for women researchers. In addition to assisting mothers and children in the workplace and at conferences, they provide access to funds during maternity leave and when returning from a career break. The institution also allows researchers to recruit a research assistant while on maternity leave and has a dedicated equal opportunities office that offers relevant funding and support.
Achieving work-life balance poses considerable challenges, underscoring the importance of pursuing work-life integration. For this reason, supervisors and mentors are encouraged to consider their teams’ well-being, as this is vital to maintaining equilibrium in STEM professions and preventing burnout. Most critically, individuals should identify their niche and role models early in their careers to facilitate growth and avoid conflicts between career development and family planning.
Concluding remarks
At a personal level, girls and young women are encouraged to evaluate their skills and values, both personal and professional. They should set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), identify challenges, create a 1-3-5 plan (short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals), and develop contingency plans. Additionally, establishing self-organised peer accountability groups and seeking individual coaching or mentoring whenever possible can be beneficial.
At the institutional level, individuals working in STEM industries should advocate for change and support policies that promote gender inclusion and pay equity. Institutions should organise campaigns, events, and awareness programs, especially during National Science Day and scientific exhibitions, to showcase STEM careers within their institutions. Such awareness may encourage more young women and girls to enter STEM fields and foster more equitable working conditions for women. Furthermore, institutions should implement mechanisms that support, rather than victimise, those affected by harassment and ensure the confidentiality and credibility of harassment reporting systems. Above all, we continue to emphasize the importance of mentorship opportunities in our communities.
The panelists, who excelled in their STEM careers despite existing obstacles, were best positioned to propose practical solutions and pathways to close the “Leaky Pipeline.” The IPMB professors and all other participants significantly contributed to this initiative over the past three years. We believe that, step by step, we can close the gender gap with the right approach and focus. The past three years have been an incredible period of learning and contributing to society’s betterment. After each workshop, participants received personal development materials and presentation notes to support mentorship strategies, along with a range of scholarship opportunities. The panelists expressed their willingness to mentor aspiring scholars and to support future awareness sessions and mentorship programs as a sustainable measure.
Acknowledgements
I extend my sincere appreciation to the panelists for their insightful discussions and to all participants for their incredible support. I thank Dr. Peter Gichuhi Mwethera, the director of KIPRE; Dr. Atunga Nyachieo, an IPMB alumnus and the host of the ITP workshop; Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) for hosting our last meeting; Ms. Lucyline Mbogori and the team for their invaluable support. Special thanks goes to the IPMB professors and alumni for their remarkable support in selecting eminent scholars and organising the ITP workshop: Prof. Geert Angenon, Prof. Edilbert Van Driessche, Prof. Sonia Beeckmans, Prof. Serge Mulydermans, Prof. Jan Paeshuyse, and Dr. Christopher Kariuki. Additionally, I appreciate Prof. Gerald Misinzo from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Tanzania for his significant contribution. Dr. Pauline Wanjiku Kibui, an IPMB alumna and Secretary General of IPMB Kenya Alumni Chapter, organised the seminar and authored this report. This meeting was sponsored by the ITP under the umbrella of the Flemish Interuniversity Council University Development Cooperation (VLIR UOS).