Author: Trisha Gonzales
Bridging the Digital Gender Gap in Africa: The Role of Education Women at the African Center of Excellence in Energy and Sustainable Development, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda. As Africa experiences rapid digital transformation, the inequalities within this shift are glaring, particularly impacting women. The need for robust measures to protect digital rights and enable digital literacy cannot be overstated. In an email interview conducted by Global Voices, Togolese lawyer and digital rights advocate, Winnie Aicha Tchedre, sheds light on how education can mitigate these disparities. The Importance of Digital Education “Digital education is essential for development…
Coding Initiative Empowers Girls in STEM in Colorado On a chilly February afternoon, twenty-three middle-school girls from the St. Vrain Valley School District engaged in a unique online coding class. This program aims to introduce them to coding and reveal the opportunities within the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), particularly for women. Inspiration from Local Experts Scientists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), located in nearby Boulder, Colorado, facilitated the event. Marla Dowell, Boulder Laboratory Director at NIST, shared her own experiences as a young girl. She spoke of her initial hesitance to participate…
Empowering Women in STEM Through the MakHer Initiative Author: Tuan Rahim* Mohamad Musthafa Fathima Thikra learning about robotic models during a visit to TRACE Expert City, Colombo. Photo: UN Women Sri Lanka/The Picture House The MakHer Training Program In an effort to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields in Sri Lanka, over 100 women undergraduates participated in the MakHer training program organized by UN Women from August 2024 to May 2025. Funded by the Republic of Korea, this initiative aimed to provide participants with both technical and interpersonal skills crucial for succeeding in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The…
The WEST Program: Empowering Future Female Engineers In 2022, a group of dedicated staff and students at the University of Victoria (UVic) recognized the need for a supportive community for young, female-identifying students pursuing engineering and computer science. This realization led to the establishment of the Women in Engineering and Computer Science (WEST) program, which quickly evolved from a recruitment initiative into a vibrant mentorship and empowerment network. Project-Based Learning The innovative spirit of the WEST program encourages participants to engage in real-world projects that extend beyond theoretical concepts. Since its inception, students have tackled tangible challenges, often from their…
Empowering Women in UK Technology: Celebrating Influential Leaders Since 2012, Computer Weekly has celebrated the contributions of women to the technology sector in the UK through its annual list of the Most Influential Women in UK Technology. This initiative aims to increase the visibility and accessibility of female role models within the industry. The Importance of Role Models in Tech Role models play a crucial role in inspiring individuals from under-represented communities to enter the technology field. By showing diverse pathways into technology careers, these leaders foster possibilities and visibility, encouraging others to envision themselves in similar roles. Hall of…
Gender Disparity in Leadership and Innovation: An Analysis Overview of Gender Disparities in Leadership A recent investigation into the representation of women among CEOs of S&P 500 companies reveals that female leaders are as qualified, if not more so, than their male peers. However, a significant gap remains in female representation within leadership roles and fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as research and innovation sectors. The Impact of Gender Inequality on Innovation While previous studies have indicated that women’s research receives less recognition in academic circles, little attention has been given…
Women in STEM: Celebrating Achievements and Overcoming Challenges The Significance of Women in STEM Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields have long been perceived as male-dominated domains. However, the last few decades have witnessed remarkable advancements by women in these areas. Recognizing the pivotal role women play in STEM is essential, particularly on occasions like International Women’s Day, as we acknowledge their contributions, confront existing challenges, and empower the upcoming generation. A Historical Overview of Women’s Contributions Although women have always been active in STEM, their contributions historically went unrecognized. Figures such as Marie Curie, Ada Lovelace, and Rosalind…
Celebrating Women in STEM: A Legacy of Innovation Ada Lovelace: The Pioneer of Programming An exquisite portrait of Ada Lovelace, often regarded as the first computer programmer, resides in the iconic setting of 10 Downing Street, London. Despite her groundbreaking contributions, Lovelace’s name remains largely unknown to the general public. Her narrative mirrors that of many women whose pivotal roles in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields have been overlooked. As a community, it is essential to rectify this and ensure these stories are told. The Importance of Sharing Untold Stories Women have been instrumental in laying the groundwork…
Revitalization of Women in Nuclear Ghana Aimed at Enhancing Women’s Empowerment The Women in Nuclear Ghana (WiN Ghana) chapter has been revitalized with a focus on empowering female professionals in nuclear science, an essential component for Ghana’s socio-economic progress. The re-launch event, themed “Women in Nuclear Ghana: Strengthening the role women play in nuclear science for the socio-economic development of Ghana,” took place in Accra. Challenges and Commitment Initially launched in 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with a modest membership of six executives and 50 members, WiN Ghana encountered various challenges early in its existence. The current re-launch marks a…
Empowering Future Generations: Women in Science Engage with Local Schools To celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, women scientists and engineers came together to share their inspiring work with local schoolchildren from February 1 to 5, 2021. This initiative saw approximately 40 volunteers from CERN, EPFL, and the University of Geneva reach out to over 1,350 students through both in-person talks and virtual presentations. Innovative Outreach Amid Health Restrictions The event included a total of 66 presentations, with 19 conducted in physical classrooms, adhering to stringent health protocols, and 47 held via videoconference due to heightened…