Gender and STEM Higher Education in sub-Saharan Africa

Research on women in STEM fields has primarily focused on North Americaand Europe, overlooking the experiences of women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Thismixed-methods study helps address this gap by examining the challenges faced bywomen postgraduate students in STEM fields at African institutions and how theynavigate these challenges to succeed. Quantitative data were collected throughan online survey in 2020 with 163 women who had completed STEM PhDs at 40African universities. Qualitative data were gathered through seven focus groupdiscussions in 2019/2020 with female STEM postgraduate students (MSc and PhD)at four African universities. The findings reveal that African women in STEMface common challenges such as financial stress, lack of role models, genderstereotypes, societal pressure, work-life balance issues, and sexualharassment. Passion for their field, determination to persist, a realisticoutlook, and family support are key factors contributing to success in achallenging learning environment. The study highlights best practices in Africathat support women in STEM and offers insights for advancing women in highereducation globally.