STEM—an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—remains a cornerstone of innovation, economic progress, and societal advancement. Yet, in Africa, the underrepresentation of women and girls in these fields persists, largely shaped by socio-cultural norms, systemic biases, and limited access to quality education. Despite these hurdles, trailblazers like Kodou Jeng are leading the charge to close this gender gap.
Jeng, the CEO and Founder of Women in STEM Gambia (WiSTEM Gambia) and WiSTEM Africa, has devoted her life to empowering women and girls through STEM. Her relentless advocacy for gender equity and her transformative efforts are reshaping the STEM education landscape and opportunities across The Gambia and Africa.
In an exclusive interview with AKIN NAPHTAL, GROUP PUBLISHER, DIGITAL ECONOMY, Kodou opens up about her journey, challenges, and unwavering commitment to uplifting women in STEM. She delves into the motivations behind WiSTEM, its impactful initiatives, and her vision for inspiring the next generation of African women leaders in STEM.
DE: Congratulations on receiving the “STEM Woman of the Year” award at the 9th Africa Digital Economy Award (ADEA), How does it feel to have your work in STEM education and women empowerment recognized on such a prominent platform?
Jeng: Thank you so much for the kind words. Receiving the “STEM Woman of the Year” award is an incredible honor and a testament to the collective efforts of my team and the communities we serve through Women in STEM Gambia (WiSTEM Gambia) and WiSTEM Africa. It’s a moment of pride and a reminder of our responsibility to continue championing STEM education and gender equity across Africa.
This award inspires me to work even harder to extend our reach to underserved areas. It serves as a powerful motivator to ensure that more girls and women in these communities have access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to thrive in STEM fields. I am deeply committed to bridging these gaps and empowering future innovators who will contribute to meaningful progress and sustainable development across Africa.
DE: Your journey is inspiring to many. What motivated you to start WiSTEM Gambia, and how have you seen it transform both individual lives and the broader community?
Jeng: What motivated me to start WiSTEM Gambia was the urgent need to address the challenges faced by women and girls in The Gambia, particularly in STEM. Growing up in a humble background, I experienced firsthand the barriers to education, especially for girls. Despite these obstacles, I was fortunate enough to pursue my dreams through education, and I recognized that many young girls in The Gambia, and across Africa, had similar potential but lacked the opportunities and support to thrive in STEM fields.
This realization became the driving force behind the creation of WiSTEM Gambia.
The Gambia is one of the least developed countries, according to the United Nations, and faces numerous challenges in terms of economic growth and development. Women make up 53% of the population, yet they are often underrepresented in fields that drive national progress, particularly in STEM. If we are to achieve sustainable development and improve our country’s economy, we must harness the untapped potential of women and girls in these critical fields.
STEM education is essential for the transformation of our nation. By empowering young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, we are not only fostering individual empowerment but also contributing to national development. Women who are skilled in STEM can drive innovation in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, and infrastructure—critical areas for The Gambia’s development.
WiSTEM Gambia seeks to change this narrative by providing mentorship, training, and opportunities for girls to engage in STEM. We believe that when given the chance, women and girls can become leaders in the STEM fields, driving economic growth and solving the challenges that face our country. With 53% of the population being women, ensuring their participation in STEM will have a transformative effect on both individual lives and the broader Gambian society, leading to greater prosperity and development. STEM is key to building a better future, and WiSTEM Gambia is committed to unlocking the potential of women and girls to make that future a reality.
DE: WiSTEM Gambia has seen a surge in young girls enrolling in STEM programs under your leadership. What strategies have been most effective in encouraging girls to pursue STEM?
Jeng: The strategies that have been most effective in encouraging girls to pursue STEM under my leadership at WiSTEM Gambia include:
• Mentorship and Role Models: Providing mentorship and connecting girls with women who have excelled in STEM has been a powerful motivator. By seeing women who share similar backgrounds succeed, the girls are inspired and empowered to pursue their dreams in STEM fields. These mentors offer valuable guidance, support, and insight into navigating challenges, which helps build their confidence and ambition.
• Annual Conference: Our annual conference has been a pivotal platform for inspiring girls to pursue STEM. The event brings together female role models, professionals, and students, offering a space for learning, networking, and empowerment. Through keynote speeches, interactive discussions, and exposure to successful women in STEM, girls are encouraged to pursue their passions with renewed focus.
• STEM Leadership Dialogue: The STEM Leadership Dialogue has created an important space for girls to engage with female leaders in the STEM industry. This televised dialogue allows students, parents, and the public to learn directly from women who have made significant contributions in STEM. By highlighting their journeys and leadership experiences, it motivates young girls to step into leadership roles themselves.
• My Journey So Far Monthly Webinars: Through our “My Journey So Far” monthly webinars, we provide a platform for women in STEM to share their personal stories and experiences. These webinars offer valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of working in STEM, and they allow girls to relate to the speakers while gaining practical advice for their own journeys.
• Pitching Competition and Training: The pitching competition, alongside specialized trainings like CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), equips girls with the skills they need to succeed in the STEM field. The competition fosters creativity and problem-solving, while the trainings provide them with technical expertise that is essential in today’s technology-driven world. These initiatives empower girls to not only envision themselves in STEM careers but also to take actionable steps toward achieving their goals.
• Celebrating Achievements and Creating Opportunities: Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of girls in STEM through awards, public acknowledgment, and showcasing their work helps build their confidence. Additionally, offering internships, scholarships, and career opportunities ensures that the girls have clear pathways to pursue STEM careers.
These strategies have proven highly effective in inspiring and encouraging young girls to pursue STEM, helping them realize their potential and creating a supportive ecosystem for their growth and success
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DE: Many young women are now pursuing higher education in STEM thanks to your guidance. Can you share any success stories that highlight the impact of these programs?
Jeng: WiSTEM Gambia has had a profound impact on many young girls, helping them achieve success in STEM and beyond. One standout example is Swadou Jammeh, who served as the outgoing President of the Methodist Academy Girls in STEM Club and Head Girl. Swadou’s academic excellence culminated in securing straight A’s in her Grade 12 exams, reflecting her dedication and passion for STEM education.
In addition to Swadou’s success, numerous other members have benefitted from WiSTEM Gambia’s programs. One such member recently secured a contract with Global Action and Action Aid The Gambia, thanks to her involvement with WiSTEM. This is a clear demonstration of how the organization’s mentorship, training, and network open doors to professional opportunities.
Two of our members are also currently studying in Asia, with the support of QGroup, our main sponsors, further advancing their academic and career pursuits.
These stories illustrate how WiSTEM Gambia’s programs not only help young women excel academically but also create valuable professional opportunities, empowering them to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
DE: Looking to the future, what are your hopes for Women in STEM Gambia and WiSTEM Africa? How do you envision these organizations impacting the next generation of women leaders in STEM?
Jeng: Looking to the future, my hopes for Women in STEM Gambia (WiSTEM Gambia) and WiSTEM Africa are focused on advocating for systemic changes that will ensure sustainable growth and opportunities for young women in STEM across Africa. I intend to push for more teacher training in STEM, including key emerging technologies, to ensure that educators are equipped to inspire and effectively teach the next generation of female STEM leaders. Proper teacher training will create a stronger foundation for female students, allowing them to build confidence and skills from an early age.
In addition, I plan to advocate for policies that encourage more girls to pursue STEM, ensuring that education systems across Africa are more inclusive and supportive of young women entering these fields. This includes advocating for scholarships, mentorship programs, and greater awareness of the importance of gender equity in STEM education.
Furthermore, I envision the establishment of regional laboratories or innovation centers across Africa, where young girls can access hands-on learning, nurture their talents, and hone their skills in various STEM fields. These centers would provide a creative and supportive environment where girls can engage in practical STEM activities, collaborate with peers, and learn from mentors and industry professionals.
Through our impactful activities, I hope to see WiSTEM Gambia and WiSTEM Africa create a future where young women are empowered to excel in STEM, not only as learners but as future leaders and innovators who will drive Africa’s development and global competitiveness in science and technology.
