NGEC BOSS CALLS FOR MORE INVESTMENT IN GIRLS IN STEM, SAYS MENTORSHIP AND RESEARCH ARE KEY TO AFRICA’S FUTURE

By Jeff Kizzilah Digital Editor 

National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) CEO Dr Purity Ngina has called for increased investment in women and girls pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), saying deliberate support, mentorship and research opportunities are critical to unlocking their potential.

Speaking during the Women in STEM Africa Summit 2026, Dr Ngina stressed the importance of exposing girls to successful women in STEM to give them role models they can look up to and aspire to become.

She said mentorship should begin early, including at the junior school level, while urging stronger collaboration among STEM professionals, researchers and teachers to inspire learners and help them understand the opportunities available in science and technology.

Dr Ngina also identified research as a critical driver of innovation, calling for increased investment in women researchers and greater representation of women scientists in national research and scientific programmes.

She noted that deliberate measures, including quotas and targeted support for women scientists, could help bridge existing gender gaps and create more opportunities for women to contribute meaningfully to research, technology and innovation.

The NGEC CEO further called for greater generation of African research and data, noting that the continent must strengthen its contribution to global knowledge and develop solutions informed by its own realities.

Dr Ngina also urged women in STEM to speak confidently about their work, research and innovations, stressing that Africa cannot achieve meaningful transformation without fully harnessing the talents, creativity and ideas of women and girls in science and technology.

“Investing in girls and women in STEM is not only about gender equality; it is an investment in Africa’s innovation, knowledge and future.”