By 
The SISTARS, Transforming STEM Institutions
Kenya has made significant strides in advancing womens’ participation in education and workforce.
However, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, particularly in leadership positions.
This gender gap persists despite the recognition of STEM’s critical role in driving economic growth and development.
Dr. Leunita Sumba. The SISTARS, CO-PI Transforming Women In Stem
The SISTARS, a consortium of (University of Nairobi, African Population and Health Research Center, Women in Water and Sanitation Association and University of Ghana) is transforming STEM institutions (Science and Technology Engineering and Mathematics) from Ghana and Kenya.
In their recent project study, Dr. Leunita Sumba, SISTARS CO-PI says “The SISTARS project collected systematic data to understand the enablers and barriers to women’s progression in industry and academia. Based on the data generated and understanding gained, case study institutions, stakeholders and re-searchers are working to co-create strategies to update policy and explore innovative interventions to position institutions to advance women leaders in STEM”
Addressing gender disparity requires a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing women’s progression in STEM careers and development of targeted policies and strategies to promote gender equity and women’s’ leadership.
Consequently, the STEM ecosystem in Kenya suffers from a dearth of support strategies, hindering innovation and strategies.
Despite progress in womens’ participation in academia and workforce, systematic barriers persist, including absence or inadequacy in policies and gender biased workplace practices.
These inadequacies of policy framework and practices result in systematic disadvantage of women, limiting their access to the opportunities, resources, and support necessary to advance to leadership positions.
The SISTARS recent project assessed institutional efforts at gender mainstreaming in STEM and proposed innovative strategies to promote institutional advancement and protection of women in leadership positions in academia and water sector related fields.
Prof. Faith Karanja SISTARS PI says a number of barriers faced by women in STEM were observed during their research.
Workplace discrimination
Networking and mentorship gaps
Unconscious biases in recruitment
Unsupportive work environments
Work-life balance challenges
Lack of role models in the family
Demanding family and caregiving responsibilities (Disproportionately affect career trajectories
Lack of confidence
Imposter syndrome
Social isolation
Educational gaps
The SISTARS, Transforming STEM Institutions
To address the challenges above, here are some of the proposed strategies
• Awareness creation on existing policy guidelines and advocacy for missing gaps in policy
• Capacity development on leadership
• Multispectral and collaborative approaches to addressing policy gaps and barriers
• Support systems initiatives at different levels in family, community and institutions
• Partnership in support of individuals from under represented groups
• Job shadowing within organizations
• Equity in funding organizations for both men and women
• Formation and reinforcing inclusive STEM clubs and associations
The SISTARS acknowledge that, advancing women in STEM to leadership is not just about creating equal opportunities, its unlocking the full potential of STEM workforce.
By dismantling barriers and fostering an inclusive environment, the SISTARs empower women to lead, innovate and contribute significantly to the advancement of science and technology.
The success of women in STEM leadership is not just a win for gender equality, it’s a win for the advancement of knowledge, technology and the betterment of a society as a whole.
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