Prof. Mureithi and Dr. Samiji Ignite a Passion for STEM in Female Secondary School Students
By Jackson Isdory, CMU | 17 February 2025
In a bold move to champion gender inclusivity in STEM education, the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) marked the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February 2025 with a groundbreaking outreach initiative.
Designed to inspire the next generation of female scientists, the program targeted two prominent secondary schools: Yusuph Makamba Secondary School in Dar es Salaam and Ruvu Girls Secondary School in the Coast Region.
Led by distinguished scholars from UDSM’s Department of Physics and Department of Mathematics, the initiative combined hands-on scientific demonstrations with engaging motivational dialogues.
Supported by the International Science Programme (ISP) through the East Africa Network for Women in Basic Sciences, this effort aimed to reshape the landscape of STEM education for young female students in Tanzania.
Visionary Leadership Driving STEM Transformation
At the core of this initiative were internationally acclaimed scientists, Prof. Eunice Mureithi from the Department of Mathematics and Dr. Margaret Samiji from the Department of Physics. Their leadership and expertise played a pivotal role in the program’s success.
“This program reinforces the university’s core values of innovation, inclusivity, and community empowerment by showcasing the real-world applications of science and mathematics,” said Prof. Mureithi. She emphasized the importance of fostering a learning environment where mentorship and hands-on experiences empower young women to break traditional gender barriers in science and technology.
Dr. Samiji, known for being the first Tanzanian woman to earn a PhD in Physics from the University of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in 2003, highlighted the long-term impact of such initiatives.
“We are proud to lead an initiative that empowers young women to see themselves as architects of the future of science. This is a strategic investment in human capital, and its benefits will reverberate for generations.”
Strategic Collaboration for Lasting Impact
The initiative was meticulously planned and executed by the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, with leadership from Dr. Mwingereza John Kumwenda (Department of Physics) and Dr. Marco Mpimbo (Department of Mathematics).
Their collaborative efforts ensured a dynamic program that blended theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, fostering enthusiasm and critical thinking among the students.
Community stakeholders strongly supported the initiative, recognizing its transformative potential in elevating young women’s participation in STEM.
Ms. Juliana Chimanzi, headmistress of Ruvu Girls Secondary School, lauded the effort: “This program has set a new standard for strategic collaboration between universities and secondary schools.
It has truly inspired our students and reinforced the crucial role of science in shaping their futures.”
Similarly, Ms. Kane Kibangali, headmistress of Yusuph Makamba Secondary School, emphasized the significance of such engagements.
“The enthusiasm among our students is a testament to the transformative potential of this outreach. Initiatives like these are vital in dismantling barriers and creating new pathways for girls in STEM.”
Aligning with National Development Goals
UDSM’s commitment to increasing female participation in STEM aligns seamlessly with the Tanzanian government’s strategic priorities under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Recognizing STEM as a critical driver of national development, the government has placed significant emphasis on fostering educational initiatives that promote gender equality in science and technology.
By actively engaging young female students in STEM, UDSM contributes directly to Tanzania’s Education Sector Development Plan (ESDP) and the National Strategy for Gender Development.
These policies emphasize increasing female participation in technical disciplines to drive innovation and economic progress.
Sustaining Momentum: The Future of STEM Outreach
Looking ahead, UDSM plans to expand its STEM outreach efforts through various strategic initiatives:
- Strengthening mentorship programs to provide sustained guidance and support for female students in science.
- Enhancing industry partnerships to create real-world learning opportunities for aspiring female scientists.
- Developing structured follow-up initiatives to track the academic progress of students engaged in STEM programs.
By integrating these elements, UDSM aims to ensure that its commitment to gender inclusivity in STEM translates into tangible, long-term impact.
Setting a Benchmark for STEM Empowerment
The University of Dar es Salaam’s initiative on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a landmark effort that underscores the power of strategic educational engagement.
By uniting visionary leadership, academic excellence, and strong community partnerships, UDSM has set a new benchmark in empowering female scientists and advancing STEM education in Tanzania.
With a steadfast commitment to innovation and inclusivity, UDSM continues to pave the way for a future where science and technology are accessible to all, regardless of gender.
This transformative outreach program not only ignites passion for STEM but also builds a foundation for a new generation of trailblazing female scientists.
Related articles
- Top Colleges in Tanzania Set Unparalleled Academic Standards Today
- Top 10 Best Colleges in South Africa Offering World-Class Education
- Top10 Most Expensive Private Schools in South Africa: The Cost of Elite Education
- Discover South Africa’s Top 10 Most Expensive Colleges Today
- 10 South Africa’s Premier Universities Set Unrivaled Academic Excellence Standards
