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Women in Africa & MENA Nations

Women in Africa and MENA Nations

Project Kuongoza Mentoring Program

The Project Kuongoza mentoring program for women in Africa and MENA nations is the first brainchild of the STEMi Women initiative in advancing women and girls skills in STEM fields through mentoring. From the year 2021, we successfully mentored over 2,800 women and girls  from 22 countries by connecting them to practicing industry mentors.

Our program is designed to provide mentorship and support during the critical transition from school to work. Our matching process was based on their shared interests and personalities, which they indicated on forms that we sent out to both mentees and mentors.

Project Kuongoza mentoring program

Mentorship that Works Supports Nurtures

For five years, we have connected women university students to practicing industry mentors. Our objectives are:-

To strengthen a community of inclusion for women and underrepresented communities/ students in STEM while enhancing pathways for greater representation of women in STEM careers more broadly.
To bridge the gap between professional women (CEOs, CTOs, mid-level career women, etc) and young budding women who are trying to identify a career path. We create meaningful relationships with a practicing mentor to share knowledge and experiences.
To create a network of like-minded women and strive to make the workforce entry process enjoyable for everyone. Historically, women have been discouraged from pursuing STEM and this program brings about positive change for the future.
To build role models that can inform, influence and inspire the decisions girls make about their life and career. The lack of visible diverse STEM role models who represent the breadth of career opportunities in STEM is a key contributor to the skills shortage problem in Africa.

What our Mentees and Mentors are saying...

We are nurturing the next generation of STEM women in Africa and MENA nations

I BE LADY O SUMMIT CHARLOTTE ESIRT

Become a Mentor

We are looking for mentors who would like to contribute to the growth and learning of these young women and girls. As a mentor, you can achieve personal growth and learn more about yourself, contribute in addressing the under-representation of women and girls by serving as a role model, improve your self-esteem, gain better understanding of other cultures and develop a greater appreciation for diversity. 95% of our mentors said they feel more productive and have a better attitude at work and this has enhance relationships with their own colleagues, family and community.

As a mentor, you will wear the hat of a role model, an accountability partner, cheerleader, advocate, and friends.

PROJECT KUONGOZA

Support the Community

Building community partnerships is an essential part of our work in accelerating workforce development through trainings and STEM education. These partnerships offer societies and students various opportunities and advantages. By supporting our intersectional that provide access to recent research, latest technologies, skills, and industry experts, the African communities can better apply and integrate STEM principles.

Here at STEMi Makers of Africa, we are passionate about helping young people prepare for a bright future in which their STEM skills will help them create jobs that will be relevant in this digital age.