CGIAR women inspire secondary school girls to embrace STEM in Tanzania
23 February 2026
Women staff from the CGIAR centers in Tanzania, led by IITA, visited Mikocheni Secondary School in Kinondoni Municipal Council to commemorate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS). The aim was to increase engagement and inspire young girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
The visit addresses the growing concern as studies show that students, especially girls in secondary schools, are losing interest in science. Fewer girls are pursuing STEM fields due to gender stereotypes and challenges in educational environments.
“CGIAR centers join the world in observing this day through education and actions that inspire girls in our neighboring secondary schools to pursue STEM careers, thus contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future,” said Mwantumu Omary, who spoke on behalf of Dr Frederick Baijukya, IITA Tanzania country representative.
The initiative reinforced responsive learning environments for girls, complementing the government’s efforts to improve teaching and learning infrastructure. Teachers play an important role in shaping students’ attitudes and interests. Yet their potential to inspire and support girls in overcoming socio-cultural and psychological barriers to STEM engagement has been relegated. Addressing this issue is crucial for fostering gender equity in STEM education and ensuring that girls are empowered to pursue future science-related careers.
“Our female students are performing well in science subjects compared to male students. This is because teachers do their best to encourage them and support them to perceive science as a simple subject,” explained Evarist Athuman, a science teacher at Mikocheni Secondary School.
The shortage of science materials and equipment continues to hinder effective science education in Tanzania’s secondary schools, making science subjects more theoretical and abstract. CGIAR Tanzania young women scientists shared their career trajectories in scientific research, highlighting the subject combinations they pursued that led to their entry into the science pipeline. They also held practical sessions where they demonstrated the daily science activities they perform at work, including the use of digital diagnostic tools for plant diseases, soil health, soil testing kits for fertility, tissue culture, propagation techniques, value addition, and sustainable marine-based nutrition solutions.
Teachers and students were curious and excited about the new knowledge they gained during the visit. Both expressed interest in starting a science club, with the support of CGIAR Tanzania, that will provide more learning opportunities for school members.
The CGIAR women staff who participated in this initiative include those from IITA, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), and WorldFish. The initiative aligns with Tanzania’s efforts to close the gender gap in STEM and contribute to international goals for gender equity in science education.
By connecting young girls with women scientists and providing practical exposure to scientific work, CGIAR centers are supporting the government’s commitment to creating inclusive learning environments that empower girls to pursue science-related careers.
Contributed by Gloriana Ndibalema
