Women remain under-represented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) training and employment in Kenya. The STEM Education for Empowerment Project (STEEP) supports out-of-school adolescent girls from vulnerable backgrounds through technical and life-skills training, mentorship and work-based learning.
Local PEP-supported researchers found that 63% of STEEP participants were employed, compared with 48% and 52% in the two comparison groups. Participants also earned more and were more likely to report having STEM skills. However, the short training period, lack of formal certification and discrimination in male-dominated workplaces continue to limit participants’ opportunities. The research team recommends expanding the STEEP model to marginalised counties, integrating life-skills training and female mentorship into STEM curricula, strengthening internship pathways, and improving workplace safeguards for women.
Find out more about the research methods, findings and policy recommendations in the following PEP publication:
Reports
Policy Brief 319 | Working Paper coming soon | Final Project Report |More about the Learning and Knowledge Management Project
