MATSAPHA – One hundred high school girls have graduated from a 10-month science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programme aimed at encouraging more young women to pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by men.
The girls were part of the fourth cohort of the GirlEng Club programme, an initiative implemented by Women in Engineering (WomEng) Eswatini to expose the girl child to opportunities in STEM while challenging stereotypes that discourage women from entering the industry.
Through the programme, the girls received training in various areas, including leadership, entrepreneurship, goal-setting and career guidance, equipping them with knowledge to make informed decisions about their future careers.
The programme also seeks to empower participants to use their STEM knowledge and skills to develop viable business projects that address challenges within their communities.
During the graduation ceremony, the girls were awarded certificates after completing 10 workshops conducted over the 10-month period.
WomEng Eswatini members gave an overview of the organisation’s work, the objectives of the GirlEng programme and lessons learnt throughout the latest cohort.
The Director of MTK Sustainable Technologies, Thobile Khumalo, introduced the graduates to entrepreneurship, highlighting what it takes to establish and lead a business in the STEM industry.
She encouraged the girls to consider how their scientific and technological skills could be used to grow enterprises, create employment opportunities and contribute to strengthening Eswatini’s economy.
Meanwhile, WomEng Eswatini Co-founder Dr Bongekile Matsenjwa delivered a presentation titled ‘Becoming a Leader’, which focused on inspiring the girls to see themselves as future leaders.
Her presentation sought to build their confidence, vision and decision-making skills to enable them to take up leadership roles in their schools, communities and future careers.
The graduates reportedly found the programme valuable in helping them identify suitable career paths and understand how STEM skills could be applied to develop solutions to challenges such as unemployment and poverty.
The GirlEng programme specifically targets high school girls who have limited exposure to STEM opportunities but demonstrate an interest in the fields.
It introduces participants to different careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, while providing guidance and mentorship from professional women working in STEM across Eswatini.
The programme is structured around school clubs, which meet monthly to receive training through workshops facilitated by women professionals in the industry.
The clubs were established in January 2023 with support from the University of Eswatini. Since their inception, more than 500 students have reportedly benefited from the initiative.
Participating schools include Enjabulweni High School, Swazi National High School, Manzini Nazarene High School, St Michael’s High School, Londuduma High School, Sibovu High School and Mjingo High School.
WomEng Eswatini is a registered non-profit organisation established in 2018 to develop the next generation of female leaders in STEM in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The organisation seeks to promote a more diverse STEM workforce through education and technology, particularly because women remain underrepresented in the industry.
