Tanzania’s global push for STEM equality

DAR ES SALAAM: THE future of Tanzania’s economy depends on a scientific revolution, and that revolution must be led by women. This was the central theme as Tanzania took its seat on the global stage in New York during the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70).

Zanzibar’s Minister for Community Development, Gender, the Elderly and Children, Anna Athanas Paul, utilized this international platform to advocate for a world where girls are no longer spectators in the fields of technology and innovation.

Speaking at a high-level dialogue, the Minister made it clear that the time for passive observation has ended; the era of active participation has begun.

The focus of her address was the urgent need to close the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Rather than settling for the status quo, Minister Paul pushed for a reality where a girl’s potential in a laboratory or an engineering firm is limited only by her ambition, not by outdated social or structural barriers.

A Global Reality Check While the world is moving forward, the numbers show we still have a long way to go. Globally, women account for only 33 per cent of researchers and 35 per cent of graduates in science and technology fields.

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Minister Paul pointed out that the even lower participation in engineering is not due to a lack of capability. Instead, it is the result of systemic hurdles that begin as early as secondary school, where the choice to study subjects like physics and chemistry often determines a student’s entire career path.

The government of Tanzania is not just talking about change; they are legislating it. Minister Paul outlined a bold roadmap to bridge this gap, starting with the review of the 2023 Gender Policy.

This review specifically aims to enhance women’s economic empowerment and increase their involvement in non-traditional fields like engineering. Additionally, the 2023 Education and Training Policy are bringing a fresh energy to the classroom.

The focus is now on modernizing the curriculum to make science more accessible, integrating the latest technology into the learning process and providing high-quality, practical laboratory training so girls can learn by doing.

The Power of Mentorship Policy is important, but inspiration is what changes lives. Minister Paul gave a special nod to the Institution of Engineers TanzaniaWomen’s Chapter for their tireless work on the ground.

“I commend the efforts of the Institution for establishing science clubs in schools, outreach programmes, and mentorship initiatives that are inspiring thousands of girls to pursue careers in science and engineering,” said the Minister.

All of these efforts are part of a much bigger picture, they align with Vision 2050, which positions science and innovation at the very heart of nation’s future. “The goal is to build a modern, knowledge-based economy where removing the barriers to STEM is recognized as a key driver for national development,” she said.