Introduction

Despite significant advancements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), women remain critically underrepresented in these fields globally, particularly in leadership and research positions. This disparity is not merely a matter of fairness; it represents a missed opportunity for innovation, economic growth, and solving complex global challenges. Systemic barriers, including persistent gender stereotypes, unconscious biases in educational and professional pathways, lack of visible role models, and insufficient work-life integration support, continue to deter girls and women from pursuing and thriving in STEM careers. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts across education, industry, and policy to create truly inclusive environments where women's full potential in STEM can be realized. This essential training course focuses on Women in STEM: Inclusion and Empowerment, equipping participants to champion gender equity and drive transformative change in STEM.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip educators, policymakers, industry leaders, HR professionals, and aspiring women in STEM with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to advance gender inclusion and empowerment in STEM fields. Participants will delve into the root causes of women's underrepresentation in STEM, explore effective strategies for fostering inclusive educational pathways, and learn how to create supportive and equitable workplace environments. The course will cover topics such as challenging gender stereotypes in STEM education, mentorship and sponsorship programs, equitable recruitment and promotion practices, addressing unconscious bias, and promoting women's leadership in STEM. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Women in STEM: Inclusion and Empowerment, participants will be empowered to dismantle barriers, foster innovation, and build a more diverse and equitable STEM workforce for the future.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Educators (K-12 and Higher Education)
• STEM Professionals and Researchers (all genders)
• Human Resources and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Specialists
• Organizational Leaders and Managers in STEM industries
• Policymakers and Government Officials (Education, Science & Technology Ministries)
• Aspiring Women in STEM (students, early-career professionals)
• Civil Society Organizations promoting Women and Girls in STEM
• Career Counselors and Mentors
• Parents and Community Leaders

Course Objectives

• Understand the current landscape and root causes of women's underrepresentation in STEM.
• Analyze the impact of gender stereotypes and unconscious bias in STEM education and careers.
• Learn to design and implement gender-inclusive STEM education programs and curricula.
• Develop strategies for attracting, recruiting, and retaining women in STEM fields.
• Acquire skills in establishing effective mentorship and sponsorship programs for women in STEM.
• Comprehend the importance of work-life integration and supportive policies for women in STEM careers.
• Explore approaches to promoting women's leadership and advancement in STEM.
• Identify and address challenges like imposter syndrome and hostile work environments in STEM.
• Examine global best practices and successful initiatives for women in STEM inclusion.
• Develop a practical action plan for fostering gender equity and empowerment in their STEM context.
• Enhance advocacy skills for policy change and cultural shifts in STEM.

Course Content

Module 1: The Global Landscape of Women in STEM

• Current statistics and trends of women's representation across STEM fields.
• The business and societal case for diversity and inclusion in STEM.
• Historical context: how women have been excluded and marginalized in STEM.
• Understanding the "leaky pipeline" phenomenon in STEM education and careers.
• Socio-cultural factors and gender norms impacting girls' and women's STEM aspirations.

Module 2: Challenging Gender Stereotypes in STEM Education

• Identifying gender stereotypes in textbooks, media, and classroom environments.
• Strategies for promoting positive STEM identities for girls from an early age.
• Encouraging girls' participation in STEM subjects and extracurricular activities.
• Gender-inclusive pedagogy and teaching methodologies in STEM.
• The role of teachers, parents, and counselors in shaping STEM interests.

Module 3: Unconscious Bias in STEM Pathways

• Types of unconscious biases affecting women in STEM (e.g., performance bias, affinity bias).
• How bias impacts academic admissions, scholarships, and research opportunities.
• Bias in hiring, promotion, and performance evaluations in STEM workplaces.
• Strategies and tools for recognizing and mitigating unconscious bias in STEM.
• Creating fair and objective assessment and decision-making processes.

Module 4: Attracting and Recruiting Women in STEM

• Crafting gender-neutral job descriptions and recruitment materials.
• Strategies for broadening candidate pools and reaching diverse talent.
• Fair and transparent interviewing and selection processes.
• The importance of diverse hiring committees.
• Leveraging technology to reduce bias in recruitment.

Module 5: Retention and Advancement of Women in STEM Careers

• Building inclusive and supportive workplace cultures in STEM.
• Effective mentorship, sponsorship, and peer networking programs.
• Leadership development and training for women in STEM.
• Addressing imposter syndrome and fostering confidence.
• Creating pathways for career progression and promotion.

Module 6: Work-Life Integration and Supportive Policies

• The impact of work-life balance challenges on women in STEM.
• Implementing flexible work arrangements (remote, hybrid, flextime).
• Comprehensive parental leave policies and support for caregivers.
• Addressing the "maternal wall" and career penalties for parents.
• Creating family-friendly policies and a supportive organizational culture.

Module 7: Preventing and Responding to Harassment and Discrimination in STEM

• Understanding the forms of harassment and discrimination prevalent in STEM settings.
• Developing robust anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies.
• Establishing clear, safe, and confidential reporting mechanisms.
• Effective investigation procedures and disciplinary actions.
• Fostering psychological safety and a culture of respect and accountability.

Module 8: Women's Leadership and Entrepreneurship in STEM

• Promoting women into leadership and decision-making roles in STEM organizations.
• Developing leadership competencies and negotiation skills for women.
• Supporting women STEM entrepreneurs and innovators.
• Access to funding, networks, and resources for women-led STEM ventures.
• Showcasing successful women STEM leaders and role models.

Module 9: Advocacy, Measurement, and Future Directions

• Advocating for policy changes that support women in STEM (e.g., funding, education reform).
• Measuring progress towards gender equity in STEM: key metrics and reporting.
• Leveraging data for evidence-based advocacy and program improvement.
• Engaging male allies and senior leadership in advancing gender equity in STEM.
• Emerging trends and technologies shaping the future of women in STEM.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training