International Day of Women and Girls in Science Celebrations at Kahawa Garrison Secondary School
On Friday 18th February 2022, the Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment, in collaboration with the Kenyatta University Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Club, observed the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, celebrated annually on February 11th, at Kahawa Garrison Secondary school. This year’s theme was “Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Water Unites Us".
The Kenyatta University team led by Prof. Judith Waudo, Director Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment, was welcomed to the school by the Principal Ms. Lucy Mugo. The main aim of the visit was to encourage young women and men to look beyond the gender stereotypes, embrace STEM careers and end the gender imbalance in Science to further enhance gender equity and women empowerment in Kenya.
Among the speakers were KU students, Ms. Belindar Atieno Juma, MSc. Applied Mathematics and Mr. Abraham Mwaura Ngugi, BSc. Biomedical Engineering. In their talks, they both encouraged the students not to fear Mathematics and Sciences as they apply it in their daily lives and the key to excelling is constant and daily practice to keep reminding and appraising yourself.
Ms. Pauline Mumbi, from the Kenya Women & Children Wellness Centre talked to students about Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Harassment (SH) by telling them about different forms of GBV. She further encouraged them to protect themselves and speak against Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual Harassment (SH) to enhance gender equity and women empowerment in Kenya.
Dr. Rehema Akoth Ndeda a lecturer in the Department of Mechatronics Engineering at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology’s key message to the students was, “You will always be intimidated and be afraid when you do not know something, but do it any way so that in the end you can be an expert”. Dr. Ndeda emphasized that Science and Mathematics are not men disciplines and women can also excel and bring about transformative change. Additionally, she noted the importance of laying your foundation early enough by knowing your strengths, your interests and deciding on what to do as a career and working towards achieving it as early as at high school. Further, she encouraged the students not fear asking for help when stuck from their community (fellow students, teachers and parents). She concluded by saying that, whatever you put your mind on, you can do it, as long as you believe in yourself.
Apart from the motivational talks, the Centre donated sanitary towels and masks to the girls and boys at the school. The donations were presented by Prof. Judith Waudo, Director Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment.
Prof. Judith Waudo, Director Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment addressing students during the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrations at Kahawa Garrison Secondary School on Friday 18th February 2022.
Ms. Pauline Mumbi from Kenya Women & Children Wellness Centre (KWCWC) speaks to students on SGBV during the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrations at Kahawa Garrison Secondary School on Friday 18th February 2022.
KU Student, Mr. Abraham Mwaura Ngugi, BSc. Biomedical Engineering speaking to students of Kahawa Garrison Secondary School during the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrations.
KU Student, Ms. Belindar Atieno Juma, MSc. Applied Mathematics speaking to students of Kahawa Garrison Secondary School during the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrations.
Dr. Rehema Akoth Ndeda, a lecturer in the Department of Mechatronics Engineering at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology addressing students during the International Day of Women and Girls in Science celebrations at Kahawa Garrison Secondary School on Friday 18th February 2022.
Prof. Judith Waudo, Director Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment, presents the sanitary pads and masks donated to Kahawa Garrison Secondary School together with the school principal Ms. Lucy Mugo (in red).
The Kenyatta University team led by Prof. Judith Waudo, Director Centre for Gender Equity and Empowerment, poses with the Kahawa Garrison Secondary School, Principal Ms. Lucy Mugo (centre, in red)
