The MacGillivray Freeman Foundation sponsors STEMi Makers of Africa’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science week across 7 African countries.
February 11th to 14th, 2025 was a joyous one for us at STEMi Makers of Africa. It was an opportunity to commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, promote full and equal access to and participation in science for over 500 adolescent girls, their education and full ability to make their ideas heard for development and peace.
From hosting over 500 girls across 10 districts in Nairobi – Kenya, Kano and Calabar – Nigeria, Douala – Cameroon, Accra and Winneba – Ghana, Pretoria – South Africa and Gaborone – Botswana, beneficiaries were impacted through Science demonstrations, Panel discussions, Visitation to schools, I am a Scientist “Story Cycle”, Science games and Science film show.
Through the partnership and benevolent support of MacGillivray Freeman Foundation, we showcased the movie: Superhuman Body: World of Medical Marvels.This 40-minutes movie took students inside the wonders of the human body and the incredible breakthroughs in science and bioengineering that are changing the course of human health. Told through the inspiring stories of the researchers, doctors, scientists and patients behind these ground-breaking medical innovations, Superhuman Body showed the extraordinary ways our bodies work – and how science and technology help us to intervene when things go wrong. Combining state-of-the-art CGI with live action cinematography, Superhuman Body will inspire a new generation of young people to engage in STEM careers as it celebrates these medical technologies that are saving human lives.
Adolescent girls were further engaged with hands-on practical exercises in developing a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem, Use of materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
We are grateful to partners like the MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation for the provision of educational hub of resources and community mobilization partners like the Women in STEAM Initiative; Kenya, Women Advancing STEM Ghana Network and the STEAM Lab, Kano, Nigeria for the successful implementation of the IDWGS.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the scientific community. It recognizes that women and girls have made significant contributions to STEM fields throughout history and deserve equal opportunities and recognition. Let us continue to support and empower women and girls in science, ensuring that their voices and talents are heard and valued in the quest for knowledge and innovation.