Globally, the percentage of women pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is small. In Afrika, the numbers are even more dismal with the greatest imbalance in engineering courses .With this rising gender gap of women in STEM , Techwomen kenya 2014 Alumnae and Pwaniteknowgalz with the approval of the Mombasa County Education office yet again implemented Mombasa girls in STEM a project that seeks to increase the number of professional females in the STEM industry . The project which is under the AEIF(Alumnae Engagement innovative funds) was first launched in 2016 involving over 180 high girls from both private and public schools. The goal of the project was to inspire high school girls to venture in to STEM careers a field that has low percentage of females, this approach will not only help demystify science and technology subjects among girls but will also strengthen the capacity of existing female professionals in the STEM FIELD Techwomen kenya 2014 alumnae under AEIF secured funds to engage high school girls in Mombasa girls in stem 2018 with Pwaniteknowgalz and Swahilipot Hub. This year 200 girls from 12 high schools in Mombasa got another opportunity to use their creativity in solving local problems faced by Mombasa. The girls who were trained on a stem based curriculum prepared by techwomen kenya and Pwaniteknowgalz were able to identify problems in the community and derive stem based solutions molded around the global SDGs.The project which run for 7 months gave girls the platform to showcase their solutions to a panel of 4 judges in the Stem Fair which was held in Swahili cultural center on 22nd September 2018. The solutions the girls identified revolved around garbage, insecurity, child rights, water and sanitation, Quality education health among others.

We would lie to appreciate the lead trainers, volunteers, Tots and project Coordinators for their support throught the entire project .Special thanks to Mr Mahmoud Noor Patron of Swahilipot Hub for his undivided support and Fatima who is in charge of the US Alumnae programs for gracing the STEM fair 2018 awarding ceremony.

Here are highlights of some of the innovative projects the girls were working on

ENGINEERING

Robotics -Bling stick that used sensors to detect whether there is an obstruction in front –

Smart bin that used sensors to detect when a dustbin is full and ready for the garbage to be disposed

TECHNOLOGY

Trash it: A mobile Application that objected residents with garbage collectors

A mobile application that reports illegal dumpimg of garbage in Mombasa

An application that reports cases of insecurity in Likoni

SCIENCE

Reusing plastic waste to make rooftiles

Using Moringa seeds to treat unhygienic water

Home made water desalinator

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