The term “STEM” stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. However, it is not
simply a term that groups the four subjects: STEM refers to integration of these four fields into a
single cross-disciplinary programme. A key characteristic of this discipline is that the focus is not just
on academic research and theory on its own. The discipline demonstrates a keen emphasis on real-
world application and knowledge sharing.
To pursue a career in the STEM field requires the ability to work across all four of its component
disciplines, at a high level of understanding of each. It also requires an aptitude for problem-solving,
creativity, and innovative thinking. As you can imagine, STEM involves an exceptional capability for
highly complex subject matters and challenging workloads, as well as remarkable intelligence.
Below is a showcase of four such extraordinary individuals from across Africa who are making an
impact through their pioneering work within the STEM field:
Kenyan-born Dr Geci Karuri-Sebina’s passion for STEM was first sparked when she was still at
school, and has not slowed down since. Based in Johannesburg, she is an Associate Professor at
the Wits School of Governance (WSG), through which she also holds the role of National
Organiser of the Civic Tech Innovation Network (CTIN). Her work in the field of technology and
innovation includes partnerships with the University of Cape Town’s African Centre for Cities
and the South African Cities Network (SACN). She holds undergraduate degrees in Computer
Science and Sociology (with a minor in Art & Design), dual masters degrees in Architecture and
Urban Planning, and a PhD in Planning and Innovation Systems.
As an academic, Dr Karuri-Sebina lectures and mentors students on urban governance and
innovation systems policy, and supervises both theoretical and applied research projects. Her
work for SACN supported the organisation’s goals of promoting good governance, analysing
strategic challenges, and providing advice to urban leaders when it comes to the management
of South African cities. Her book, Innovation Africa: Emerging Hubs of Excellence, explains how
critical innovation is for growth and development in Africa, and it draws lessons from successful
innovation case studies from across Africa.
Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim is internationally renowned for her scientific research
related to healthcare. Her work through the Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in
South Africa has impacted global responses to HIV and, more recently, the COVID-19 health
crisis, contributing significantly to research related to the global pandemic. Born in South Africa,
Professor Abdool Karim is one of the world’s leading AIDS researchers, with an impassioned
focus on the HIV epidemic among young women, contributing to a better understanding of its
evolution and impact. She is also an activist who promotes the human rights of people living
with and affected by HIV.
In recognition of her research work on infectious diseases in developing countries, Professor
Abdool Karim was awarded the esteemed Christophe Mérieux Prize last year. This prestigious
honour was met with congratulations from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima stated: “I am proud to congratulate Professor
Quarraisha Abdool Karim, a vital member of the UNAIDS family, on this incredible achievement.
This award recognises the vital work that Professor Abdool Karim and her team have been
doing over many years of the AIDS response. That work has led to a better understanding of
what women and adolescent girls need to protect themselves against HIV, bringing hope for an
AIDS-free generation.”
A pioneer in the field of STEM, particularly with regard to aviation, Botswana’s Captain
Kgomotso Phatsima is one of the few female pilots in the country. As a young child, looking up
at airplanes passing high above, Captain Phatsima knew she was “born to fly”. Her humble
beginnings, though, led to pursue a more “practical” career in education. However, when the
Botswana Defence Force started to enlist its first female military pilots in 2009, she saw an
opportunity to realise her dream of flying. She enlisted, and soon became one of the first
female military pilots in the Botswana Defence Force.
Passionate about both aviation and youth development, Captain Phatsima realised that very
few youth, and even fewer girls, were interested in STEM subjects, which are imperative for
careers within aerodynamics, such as becoming a pilot or working within the aerospace
industry. This led to her establishing a foundation called Dare to Dream, involved in the
advancement of youth, women, and girls within the STEM field. The foundation not only
supports the promotion of careers in aviation and aerospace, but also in robotics, coding,
entrepreneurial development, business leadership, and other skills essential for students to
progress in the business world in Africa and globally. Travelling deep into rural areas to connect
with students, the foundation’s motto is to leave no child behind for African development.
Captain Phatsima’s accolades include: the Botswana Youth Awards Best Female of the Year
2017; being selected for the Obama Foundation African Leaders Program; and being chosen as
one of the 100 Most Influential Young Africans by Africa Youth Awards 2018, among other
impressive honours.
Ohemaa Adjei Andoh
Ghana-based Ohemaa Adjei Andoh studied Geological Engineering at the Kwame Nkrumah
University of Science and Technology (KNUST). She also held the position of Women in
Engineering President/Women’s Commissioner for the College of Engineering at the same
institute. Part of her professional work includes designing cementing jobs in the oil and gas
industry.
Committed to sharing her love for the STEM field with young girls with an appetite for
knowledge and affinity for science, Ohemaa started a foundation called Girls in Science and
Technology (GIST). Research shows that most females in Ghana usually undergo secondary and
tertiary education, where a career path has already been chosen based on their course
selection. GIST therefore introduces young girls in their formative years to the endless
opportunities that lie within STEM fields. GIST is run by group of hardworking and focused
women from different STEM fields with the common goals of serving as role models for young
and upcoming females and offering mentorships to students in the STEM field. The foundation
also aims to offer sponsorship to less privileged girls who want to pursue an academic and
career path in STEM. Commenting on what she deems to be success, Ohemaa states: “I believe
I will see myself as successful when I have been able to significantly increase the percentage of
women in STEM careers.”
These are just four remarkable women who are not only making strides within the STEM field in
Africa, but also helping other young people with a passion and drive for Mathematics and Science to
explore and succeed in various STEM-based career paths. Inspiring the future pioneers of the
continent is not just commendable from a leadership point of view, but doing so also contributes
significantly to innovation, economic development, and progress, both in Africa and the world at large.
