From the very first note sung by the Africa University Choir as guests waited for the program to commence, it was clear that this year’s International Day for Women and Girls in Science was going to be special.
Held under the theme: From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap, one could not ignore how beautifully dressed the women were. There had been no formal instruction to dress up, yet elegance filled the room. A natural reflection of how women present themselves when stepping into spaces that celebrate their worth and potential.
Program Reaches Out to Young Minds
Organized under a collaboration between Africa University, RUFORUM and the Mastercard Foundation, the commemorations saw over 200 students from Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, Mutare Girls High School, St Augustine’s High School, Nyakatsapa High School, St Joseph’s High School, Stella Maris College, Hartzell High School, Mutare Polytechnic and host Africa University in attendance. The diversity of schools present elevated the conversations far beyond one institution, it was a collective gathering of young minds.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Nancy Kwangwa, Deputy Librarian at the Women’s University in Africa, noted that the commitments to gender equality are already clear. However, she stressed that the gender gap in STEM reflects a systemic failure across the entire value chain from access and aspiration to leadership.
“If we only inspire without redesigning the system, we get what the world has likely been getting, progress at margins and stagnation at scale.” She urged institutions to reflect critically on whether their interventions are truly closing the gap or merely repeating well-written promises.
Mrs. Farirai Mudiwa from Simukai Child Protection, referenced her work in safeguarding and inclusion, she emphasized the need “to protect and support women including those with disabilities in male-dominated fields like STEM.”
Pathology professor and medical doctor, Prof. Rudo Mutasa. She delivered a presentation addressing the tension between societal expectations and women’s ambitions, she encouraged women to explore diverse career paths beyond traditional limits. Referencing Genesis 4:1: “With the help of the Lord, I have brought forth a man,” she highlighted the strength and agency of women, affirming that “it is acceptable for women to prioritize their careers despite societal pressure.”
Participants Share Their Story
With women around the world facing the challenge of having to balance family responsibilities with their already demanding STEM careers, PhD student Mrs Melissa Chengetai Mpofu, shared her testimonial as a mother, wife, and STEM student, encouraging young women in the audience: “It’s not going to be easy, but you can do it.”
The conversations left an indelible mark on Anashe Chiremba from Hartzell High School, who said the discussions not only broadened her perspective but also highlighted the importance of representation for women across all fields.
Tanaka Dengende, a Software Engineering student at Africa University reflected on the conversations saying:
“I really liked all the presentations from the speakers. This program isn’t just a seminar; it’s a movement. The message was clear: empowerment is not a slogan. It is structural change. We are not here to fit into tech; we are here to transform it. Women in STEM are not the future; they are the force,” she said.
International Day of Women and Girls in STEM commemorations spotlighted the strength, agency, and potential of women in STEM and left attendees, both male and female, inspired to take action and transform the spaces they occupy. The gathering underscored a collective vision for a future where gender disparity in science and technology is eradicated and where every individual, regardless of gender, can excel.
Your Generous Support Helps Educate Africa
By supporting the Africa University Fund apportionment, you help provide financial support for the general operating expenses of Africa University. This university helps empower students from across the continent of Africa to give back to their individual countries on their return home. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Africa University Fund at 100 percent.
excerpt from a story by Miss Thandolwenkosi Theodora Sibanda, first-year Software Engineering student in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
This story shows the impact of the Africa University Fund—one of seven apportionment funds of The United Methodist Church—to equip new generations of leaders for the African continent. Your church’s giving supports Africa University in Zimbabwe, where students from across Africa receive higher education rooted in faith, excellence, and service. Together, we help shape leaders who transform their nations and communities.
When your church supports the Africa University Fund, you empower students to become changemakers grounded in hope and faith.
