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Launch of Report on Women in STEM and Higher Education in 9 Countries in Southern Africa
9 May 2024 hora: 1:15 pm - 2:30 pm
The report ‘Women’s Participation in Higher Education in Southern Africa: An Exploration of STEM, Leadership, and Enrolment in Institutions in Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe‘, jointly conducted by UNESCO IESALC and UNESCO in Harare, will be launched on May 9, 2024 at the United Nations (UN) 9th Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology, and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals.(STI), as part of the side event programming.
Venue: 1:15 to 2:30 p.m (New York time, GMT-4), in the CR-9 Room at UN Headquarters in New York, USA.
Organisers
- UNESCO Liaison Office in New York
- UNESCO International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNESCO IESALC)
- UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa (UNESCO Office in Harare)
Format: In-person side event inside UN Headquarters (New York) – CR-9
Streaming UN Web TV: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k10/k10yge7u8l
Background: In the past two decades, there has been substantial growth in the enrollment and graduation rates of both women and men in higher education worldwide, with expansion observed across Africa. Nevertheless, disparities persist in gender-specific participation within African countries’ higher education systems. These inequalities are particularly evident in various aspects, including the distribution of higher degree completions, discrepancies in the chosen fields of study between genders, and the employment landscape, where gender gaps persist notably in academic and senior managerial roles within universities. Enhancing gender equality within tertiary education, especially in STEM fields, drives innovation, opens up new avenues for economic empowerment for women, and has broader societal benefits by challenging traditional gender norms. These factors collectively contribute to the sustainable development of the region.
The study, jointly conducted by UNESCO IESALC and UNESCO in Harare, provides evidence on women’s participation in higher education in the participating countries, raises awareness on the topic in Africa, and offers policy recommendations for fostering gender equality in the region. Key discussion points will include:
- Positive shifts and emerging trends
- Persisting challenges with a specific focus on STEM disciplines
- Implications for policymaking and intervention strategies
- Potential avenues for future research and intervention
Contact: Info-iesalc@unesco.org