Co-Creation and Validation Workshop for Examining Participation and Quality of Experiences of Women in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM): Postgraduate Training Programs and Careers in East Africa

Abstract

This report compiles the activities and outcomes of a two-day Collaborative and Validation Workshop focusing on the Examination of Participation and Quality of Experiences among Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Postgraduate Training Programs and Careers in East Africa research study. The workshop was held on August 31st and September 1st, 2023, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya. It convened a diverse group of over 60 stakeholders from East Africa. The primary objective was to engage in discussions, introspection, and provide valuable insights to refine ideas derived from field data. These insights were intended to contribute to the ongoing development of a supervision and mentorship framework of postgraduate STEM-related programs.

This significant workshop constituted an integral component of the initiatives conducted within the framework of the research project titled "Exploring Women's Participation and Quality of Experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Postgraduate Educational Programs and Professional Pathways in East Africa." This research project was jointly undertaken by the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC) in collaboration with the Inter-University Council for East Africa (UICEA) and various partners, with support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The study encompassed five East African nations: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Motivated by the underrepresentation of women in STEM-related fields both in Sub-Saharan Africa and globally, this research aimed to produce empirical data to guide collective endeavors aimed at increasing female participation in postgraduate studies and careers in East Africa. It also aimed to dismantle the barriers that have perpetuated gender disparities, heightened gender inequalities, and impeded the progress and success of women in STEM education and professions.

In connection with this thrust, the study team sought to achieve four interrelated objectives. First, it sought to determine levels of gender equality in STEM-related post-graduate training and careers in East Africa. Second, it sought to explore the factors that contribute to participation of women in STEM related postgraduate training and careers in East Africa, and third, to determine the effect of the covid19 pandemic on women’s progression in STEM postgraduate training and careers. The fourth and most relevant to this workshop was to develop a comprehensive framework for optimal engagement of women in STEM related post-graduate training and careers in East Africa.

Having completed data collection and initial analysis, a two-day workshop was organized to convene stakeholders from the study countries. The purpose was to facilitate the sharing of findings, engaging in discussions, and advancing the supervision and mentorship framework. This framework had its origins during the data analysis process and its validation in in-country workshops previously conducted by the study team. As a result, the primary focus of the workshop's sessions and activities revolved mainly around the fourth objective: the development of a comprehensive supervision and mentorship framework, as detailed in subsequent subsections of this report, which describe the specific sessions conducted over the two days.