Encouraging your daughter in science and technology

Girls do as well as boys in science in many primary classrooms, but fewer go on to study science, engineering and technology. Parents have a powerful influence on that choice.

What holds girls back

• stereotypes that science is "for boys";
• few female role models;
• less access to tools, gadgets and building activities;
• losing confidence after a bad mark.

What parents can do

• Watch your words. Avoid saying "I was never good at maths". Children copy our beliefs.
• Offer building and fixing activities to daughters as well as sons.
• Share role models. Talk about women scientists, engineers, doctors and pilots, including African women in these fields.
• Praise effort and persistence.
• Encourage clubs and bootcamps.

Safe space to try

Virtual labs let girls experiment privately, at their own pace, without worrying about others watching. Confidence built at home carries into the classroom.

Talk about careers

Show your daughter the range of STEM careers available, from medicine and data science to renewable energy and aviation.

Visit and explore

Visit science centres, technology hubs and the VR Labs Africa IoT Lab in Nairobi together.

Sign up free and explore a lab with your daughter, or read about our bootcamps.