Getting more girls into science and technology

Across Africa, girls do as well as boys in science in many primary assessments, yet fewer girls choose science subjects in secondary school and STEM courses at university.

Why the gap grows

• fewer female role models in STEM careers;
• stereotypes about who is "good at" science and technology;
• less access to devices and technical tools at home;
• classroom dynamics where boys dominate scarce equipment.

How virtual labs help

• Equal access: every learner gets the same equipment and the same time.
• Safe space to fail: learners can experiment without being watched or judged.
• Confidence: repeated success with experiments builds self-belief.

Policy actions

• Set targets for girls' participation in STEM subjects and pathways.
• Fund girls' STEM clubs and bootcamps.
• Showcase female scientists and engineers in curricula and media.
• Train teachers in gender-responsive teaching.

Bootcamps and clubs

Girls-only sessions in STEM clubs and holiday bootcamps can be powerful first steps.

Measuring progress

Track subject choices and exam results by gender each year.

Read about our bootcamps and clubs, or contact us about a girls in STEM programme.