On the 2nd of April 2016, I was privileged to mentor secondary school girls at DigiGirlz event which was organized by FAWEU in partnership with Microsoft. 
DigiGirlz is a Microsoft YouthSpark program that gives middle and high school girls opportunities to learn about careers in technology, connect with Microsoft employees, and participate in hands-on computer and technology workshops and so this event was meant to enhance the interest of Uganda girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

I learnt alot from the girls and the insightful panelists/mentors and I wish to share some of the insights in this write up.

I am so proud to note that the involvement of girls/women in STEM has consistently improved over years. However, there is still a gap that needs to be closed, to ensure that the girls maximize their potential and build successful STEM careers.

We had 120 girls from 10 schools turn up for the event. They showed great interest in STEM, nevertheless they expressed fears which threaten their dreams to pursue sciences.

Many girls are intimidated by the fact that science subjects are hard. Some students raised concerns over teachers who neglect them, thinking that they cannot make it as scientists and/or mathematicians.

The girls are not given a chance to contribute to class discussions because the teachers think they can’t do much in the science lessons, which discourages them from pursuing these subjects.

The day scholars are given a lot of house work after school, which keeps them too busy to do any revision at home. These chores also keep them awake for longer hours which limit their concentration in class.

All the threats that were raised are challenges that many successful scientists have faced, including some of the panelists for that event. As the panelists shared their experiences, we learnt that girls need to remain persistent, regardless of the obstacles. It is true that science subjects are hard, but one can pass them if they go an extra mile. The girls were encouraged to form discussion groups with boys such that they can learn from each other.

During this event, I realized that enhancing the involvement of girls in STEM is a collective effort. Everyone in society has a role to play. The parents should not only provide school fees, but they must create a conducive environment for the children to improve their education. Teachers should encourage and cheerlead the students to keep trying their best, so as to excel in sciences. The women scientists ought to guide and mentor the girls such that they can realize the possibility of accomplishing their career dreams in STEM.

The girls have the potential to excel in STEM, it’s just that they are sometimes demoralized by society and the obstacles around them. All they need is empowerment. It is in this area where we need volunteers to give them a hand up. There is no need to wait for such events or workshops, we are surrounded by many students who lack counsel, and they can be a great starting point.  The role of a mentor is to set the pace for the young generation and allow them to fly higher than they could ever imagine. I believe if the mentoring is done effectively, we will see more women transforming the STEM careers in the future.

Written by 
Ms NANUNGI ANNET KABUYE
ICT Specialist at Makerere University Walter Reed Project