Only 3 girls in a STEM club of 25 kids? That’s a problem. At one of our STEM clubs, just 3 out of 25 pupils are girls. The rest are boys.
This is not because girls are not smart enough. It is because many girls are not encouraged early on to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—STEM for short.
Between the ages of 5 and 14, children’s interests are shaped at home. And parents play a major role in whether or not a girl believes she belongs in STEM.
Why Are There So Few Girls in STEM Fields in Nigeria?
Gender Stereotypes Begin Early From the toys we give to the compliments we offer, society tells girls that STEM is “not for them.” Girls get dolls. Boys get building blocks. Over time, these signals shape what they believe they are capable of.
Lack of Exposure and Encouragement When a girl shows interest in science or robotics, she often hears, “That is for boys.” Many parents simply do not introduce their daughters to STEM activities like coding games or science kits.
Few Female Role Models in STEM Most of the scientists and engineers children hear about in school are men. Without examples of successful women in STEM, many girls find it hard to imagine themselves in those careers.
Low Support from Schools and Communities If schools and community programs do not actively encourage girls to participate in STEM clubs, girls can feel left out or outnumbered.
How Can Parents Encourage Their Daughters in STEM?
Start Early With STEM Play Give your daughters puzzles, coding toys, science kits, and experiment books. Encourage hands-on learning. Let them build, tinker, and create.
Support Her Participation in STEM Clubs If your school has a STEM club or a robotics class, encourage your daughter to join. Go a step further and cheer her on during projects or presentations. Your support makes a big difference.
Break the Stereotype Tell your daughter that math is not “for boys.” Show her that girls can be scientists, engineers, and astronauts. Your words shape how she sees herself.
Introduce Her to Women in STEM From Prof. Rita Orji in computer science to Uchenna Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu in robotics, social impact, and STEM education, Nigerian women are excelling in STEM. Let your daughter see their stories and learn from their journeys.
Be Involved in Her Learning Journey Ask her about her science homework. Help her with school projects. Celebrate her curiosity and keep learning together.
Edufun Technik’s Mission to Empower Girls in STEM
At Edufun Technik STEM Foundation, we believe STEM is for everyone. We are on a mission to close the gender gap in science and technology.
We run STEM clubs that make girls feel welcome. We organize school outreach events to encourage teachers and parents. We offer mentorship so girls can learn from real Nigerian women in STEM.
But we cannot do it alone.
Parents, Your Role Is Powerful
You can trigger your daughter’s interest in science. You can support her in building, coding, and experimenting.
You can say: “Yes, STEM is for you too.”
Let us raise girls who believe that science, technology, and innovation are for them.
STEM is not just for boys. It is for every curious child. And it starts with you—the parent
