Conclusion and Recommendations

The journey towards gender equity in STEM is multifaceted and requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. The programs, initiatives and research findings outlined highlight the importance of comprehensive programs, participatory research, mentorship, policy integration, community engagement, and transformative learning. These elements are crucial in addressing systemic barriers and fostering an inclusive environment for women in STEM.

The work of the IDRC and its partners exemplifies the potential for impactful change to dismantle identified challenges through targeted interventions and collaborative efforts. By identifying context-specific barriers and piloting innovative solutions, significant strides have been made in promoting gender equity. The success stories from various regions, such as the collaborative policy development in Zimbabwe and commitments to incorporate mentorship programs across universities in East Africa, demonstrate the effectiveness of these approaches.

However, to sustain and scale these efforts, it is imperative to involve policymakers and key stakeholders from the outset. This ensures that interventions are not only implemented but also institutionalized, creating a lasting impact. By continuing to build on these foundations and expanding the reach of successful programs, we can move closer to achieving true transformation of our science systems, making them more equitable and inclusive, and reflective of the populations their innovations can service.

The path forward requires a commitment to ongoing research, policy advocacy, and community engagement. By leveraging the collective expertise and experiences of diverse stakeholders, we can create a more equitable and inclusive STEM landscape that benefits everyone.

Policymakers

1. Increase Visibility of Women Scientists: Launch national media campaigns and public lectures to highlight women scientists, fostering a positive association between women and science.
2. Combat Gender Stereotypes: Implement and enforce gender-sensitive policies to dismantle stereotypes and promote equitable participation in STEM fields.
3. Provide Incentives for Girls' Performance in STEM: Offer scholarships and incentives to motivate girls in STEM studies, and recognize their achievements to encourage continued participation.
4. Implement National and Institutional Policies: Promote STEM education through comprehensive policies already existing at the university and institution level.
5. Develop Mainstreaming Strategies: Develop strategies with clear objectives and accountability structures, including policies for gender-based violence prevention and response.

Universities and Education Institutions

1. Expand Outreach and Mentorship Activities: Strengthen support systems in schools and universities, and implement formal mentorship programs to support women in various STEM sectors.
2. Develop Interactive and Equitable Learning Environments: Create inclusive learning environments and provide vocational guidance and mentorship to support career development in STEM fields.
3. Staff Development in Gender-Sensitive Pedagogy: Train university lecturers on gender-sensitive teaching methods and review curricula to make them more inclusive.
4. Improve Data Collection and Analysis: Implement systems for collecting gender-disaggregated data in all training and research structures, ensuring methodologies mitigate gender biases.
5. Conduct Gender Audits: Perform gender audits across relevant education institutions.

Science and Research Institutions

1. Increase Visibility of Women Scientists: Feature women scientists in research publications and conferences to enhance their visibility and inspire future generations.
2. Expand Outreach and Mentorship Activities: Facilitate mentorship programs and outreach activities to support women in STEM, particularly in specialized fields like water and agronomic sciences.
3. Enhance Policy Awareness and Participation: Restructure promotion processes, provide resources for research, and develop monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track progress and impact.
4. Provide Capacity Building and Training Opportunities: Offer scholarships, networking opportunities, and targeted training programs, including reintegration programs for returning new mothers.
5. Adopt a Multi-Stakeholder and Coordinated Approach: Collaborate with government agencies, educational institutions, and advocacy groups to improve female participation in STEM disciplines.

Women in STEM

1. Increase Visibility of Women Scientists: Participate in media campaigns, public lectures, and educational materials to inspire young girls and establish a positive association with science.
2. Expand Outreach and Mentorship Activities: Engage in mentorship programs and outreach activities to support and guide other women in STEM fields.
3. Combat Gender Stereotypes: Advocate for and participate in awareness campaigns to challenge gender biases and stereotypes in STEM.
4. Provide Capacity Building and Training Opportunities: Take advantage of scholarships, networking opportunities, and training programs to advance in STEM careers.
5. Reinforce Educational Policies: Foster girls' and women's continued registration in STEM, particularly in male-dominated disciplines, and address cultural and social barriers limiting participation.