Girls in STEM: How to Encourage More Girls to Pursue Tech Careers

Girls in STEM: How to Encourage More Girls to Pursue Tech Careers

 

In a world rapidly shaped by technology, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers are at the forefront of innovation. Yet in Nigeria, like in many parts of the world, girls are still underrepresented in these fields. From societal norms to limited exposure, many young girls are steered away from technology before they even have a chance to explore it.

Imagine a 13-year-old girl in Aba who codes her first robot during a school workshop, her eyes light up with excitement. But without continued support, that spark can quickly fade. Encouraging girls in STEM isn’t just about equality, it’s about unlocking Nigeria’s full potential in the global tech space.

Why Are Fewer Girls in STEM?

Despite growing awareness, several barriers continue to limit girls’ participation in tech-related subjects and careers:

●      Cultural and societal expectations: In many communities, STEM is still seen as a “male” domain. Girls are often nudged towards arts or caregiving roles instead.

●      Lack of role models: Young girls rarely see women in tech leadership, making it harder to envision themselves in similar roles.

●      Limited access to STEM opportunities: Many schools (especially public ones) lack the resources to offer robotics, coding, or science clubs.

These challenges don't mean change isn't possible, they highlight where our efforts must begin.

What Works: Strategies That Encourage Girls in STEM

Several successful approaches - many of which we’ve seen firsthand at Arc-Lights Foundation - are proving effective in building confidence and interest among girls in STEM:

1. Early Exposure and Hands-On Learning

The earlier girls are introduced to STEM, the better. When schools integrate hands-on tech activities into regular learning, girls engage without feeling singled out.

●      Partner with schools to run coding clubs and robotics camps for all students.

●      Use tools like PictoBlox, Arduino, or LEGO robotics kits that allow creative, visual learning.

●      In our Girls in Tech bootcamp held in Umuahia, over 60% of participants had never written code before. By the end of the week, all had built their own mini-robot.

2. Mentorship and Role Models

Seeing women who look like them thriving in tech can be a game-changer for girls.

●      Invite local female engineers, software developers, and tech entrepreneurs to speak at events or mentor girls.

●      Feature stories of young Nigerian women who have excelled in STEM on school noticeboards, social media, and newsletters.

●      At Arc-Lights, we often pair girls with female mentors during programs like the WRO (World Robot Olympiad) qualifiers.

3. Community Support and Parent Involvement

Many parents are unaware of the opportunities that tech careers offer, especially for girls.

●      Host “STEM Family Day” in schools to showcase students' tech projects and inform parents about potential career paths.

●      Encourage schools to create safe, inclusive spaces where girls feel confident to ask questions and experiment.

4. Competitions and Recognition

Competitions like the World Robot Olympiad provide a platform for girls to shine and build confidence.

●      Help girls form all-female teams for tech challenges to ensure they get a good foundation.

●      Coach an all-female team and register them to partake in the WRO yearly competitions.

●      Celebrate their successes loudly, on school assemblies, community radio, and social media.

5. Create Sustainable Opportunities

After the workshop ends or the event is over, what next?

●      Advocate for STEM hubs in schools or communities, equipped with laptops, internet, and learning kits.

●      Encourage schools to integrate basic coding and robotics into their regular timetable.

●      Support girls with internships, online courses, and scholarships as they progress.

Empowering more girls to pursue STEM is not a one-time event, it’s a continuous journey that involves schools, families, mentors, and organisations like Arc-Lights. By giving girls the chance to explore, fail, try again, and ultimately thrive, we help shape a more inclusive and innovative future for Nigeria.

If you’re a teacher, parent, or community leader, what’s one small step you can take today to open a STEM door for a girl around you

●      Follow our work on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/arcLights.foundation/

●      Join the Robotics Coaches Association of Nigeria (ROBOCAN) https://tinyurl.com/yvuwywav and help to train and encourage Girls in STEM