Walk into most science or technology classrooms across West Africa, and you’ll notice a pattern: men dominate the room. In an era where digital literacy and scientific innovation are defining the global economy, women remain drastically underrepresented in STEM fields — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

And this isn’t a matter of capability. It’s a matter of access, culture, opportunity, and systemic neglect.

The Numbers Tell the Story

UNESCO reports that less than 30% of STEM researchers in Africa are women, and enrollment in higher education STEM programs by female students across West Africa lags well behind their male counterparts.

In Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire, the gap is widest in engineering and computing programs. Even in healthcare and life sciences — fields traditionally more balanced — male leadership still dominates top academic and clinical positions.

So, Where Are the Women?

1. Cultural Norms and Gender Bias

From an early age, many girls are steered away from science-related subjects. Societal expectations — that women should prioritize caregiving roles or “softer” careers — are internalized before they even enter secondary school. In some communities, girls are actively discouraged from pursuing math or science, or worse, told they’re not “smart enough” for it.

2. Lack of Role Models and Mentors

Representation matters. Without visible female scientists, engineers, or tech innovators in leadership roles, young women struggle to picture themselves in those careers. And even when they do enter STEM programs, the absence of female mentors can make the academic journey isolating.

3. Early Dropout Due to Socioeconomic Pressure

Girls in low-income communities face greater challenges staying in school due to financial hardship, early marriage, or domestic responsibilities. STEM fields typically require longer study periods and more resources — which aren’t always accessible or sustainable for female students.

Why It Matters — For Everyone

This isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s an economic one.

• Countries that fail to tap into half their talent pool will fall behind.

• Tech and science solutions that don’t include female perspectives will be incomplete.

• Diversity in STEM leads to stronger research, more inclusive innovation, and better outcomes.

Put simply: Africa cannot afford to leave its women out of its future.

Signs of Progress (And Where We Can Do More)

Thankfully, the tide is starting to turn.

• STEM bootcamps for girls are springing up in Ghana and Nigeria.

• Scholarships and government incentives are being introduced to attract more women into science and tech education.

• Private universities and NGOs are running mentorship programs to pair female students with STEM professionals.

But these efforts need scale. They need coordination. And they need to start earlier — ideally in basic school, before girls are tracked out of science entirely.

What Needs to Happen Next

1. Curriculum Reform
   Make science and tech subjects more relevant and interactive for girls from a young age. Move beyond rote memorization and foster curiosity.

2. Safe, Inclusive Learning Environments
   Build schools and campuses where female students feel safe, respected, and empowered to speak up — free from harassment or bias.

3. Incentivize Representation
   Actively hire and promote female faculty in STEM departments. Let young women see what leadership looks like.

4. Community Engagement
   Work with families and traditional leaders to break the stigma around women in technical careers.

Final Thought: She Belongs Here

Closing the STEM gender gap isn’t just about opening the door. It’s about walking with young women through it — with encouragement, support, and real opportunity.

Because the next great engineer, coder, or biotech innovator in West Africa?
She’s out there.
We just need to make sure she’s seen, heard, and supported.