Support to Skills Development in Science and Technology in Rwanda
"The number of female scientists has increased at universities as a result of the fund and this increases a number of role models for young girls."
Context: The equal opportunity program in science & technology is a component of the Support to Skills Development Project designed to promote gender equality in higher learning institutions. This program, supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), re-enforces Rwanda's 2020 vision, and aims at achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The program is offering equal opportunities for higher education to female students in science and technology since these are a cornerstone for Rwanda's industrial and social development. The program benefits 200 female students from the country's districts through increased access to quality training, mostly in environmental design, planning and engineering. The equal opportunity program in science and technology promotes gender equality at the higher education level.
Reasons for the Choice: The participation of women in science and technology fields at the higher education level is weaker than in the secondary school. In 2005, only 19 percent of students studying agriculture and 16 percent of science and technology students at the National University of Rwanda (NUR) were women. Of students enrolled in S&T fields at the KIST and the Institut Supérieur de l'Agriculture et de l'Elevage (ISAE), only 20 and 23 percent respectively were women.
Financing of the Project: The project is funded by the AfDB and the Rwandan government through the Ministry of Education under its Support to Skills Development in Science and Technology project.
Reasons for Success: A total of 121 female scientists have been enrolled in three institutions of higher learning namely National University of Rwanda (NUR), Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and Kicukiro College of Technology (KCoT), all on full scholarship. Through the bridge program, a total number of 130 female scientists went through training in six core subjects. The Subjects taught during the preparatory program included; Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Information Technology & Communication Skills. During the preparatory program the girls were facilitated through the following:
- Accommodation at Kicukiro College of Technology where the usual classes were conducted. Transport to KIST for Lab classes in laboratories financed by AfDB under Education III Project
- 12 lecturers, two per subject for the six subjects mentioned above and all lecturers were from institutions of higher learning
- A matron was hired to instill discipline among the students
- A 25.000 Rwandan franc bursary for each student
- Health Insurance for each student
Apart from usual classes, other activities included mentorship classes from various women including; the Minister of Gender and family promotion Dr .Mujawamaria, the Member of Parliament Connie Bwiza and Dr. Marie-Christine Gasingirwa, the Director General for Science, Technology and Research. It also included counseling sessions for girls who needed it.
Project Added Value: The number of female scientists has increased at universities as a result of the fund and this increases the number of role models for young girls. This brings closer Rwanda's vision of having women in Science and Technology.
Impact: More women scientist to motivate other young girls to join their domain.
Some Stakeholder reactions: Rwanda's education ministry and its Stakeholders have encouraged this initiative and look forward to its positive impact on girl's education especially in science and technology fields. However, they consider this initiative as an affirmative action to emphasize that girls can perform as well as boys.
Project Manager Reaction: "On behalf of the Project Implementing Unit, the Project Manager would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the Equal Opportunity Program since its inception till its implementation. The success of this program so far results from the fact that all stakeholders have been involved and have been determined in every stage. There is also ownership that has been observed among the beneficiaries. This initiative has also been a model even to private sector interested in Education, especially the preparatory program with its developed curriculum as there are many female candidates who wish to improve their knowledge before joining university studies. We cannot forget to highlight how the beneficiary students are happy and grateful for the support they got and they are committed to succeed and to be role models in their villages and prove that they can!!!"
Perspectives and transferability of the project: With the rising numbers, having the same students work as interns in their home districts will be an added advantage as this will motivate fellow girls at lower levels. Having these girls speak out to parents and schools will help to change attitudes and enhance program sustainability. The education ministry will integrate this initiative in its daily business as there is an officer in charge of girl's education and Directorate for Science, Technology and Research.
The Project Team
Eng. Diogène Mulindahabi, Coordinator for the Support to Skills Development in Science and Technology Project (SDSTP)
- Winnie Muhumuza , Gender Specialist (SDSTP)
- Alexandre Ndahumba, Project Engineer & Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist / SDSTP
- Mukiza Charles, Finance Specialist /SDSTP
- Edward Ruvugabigwi, Procurement Officer / SDSTP
- Rosette Uwizeyimana, Administrative Assistant / SDSTP
- Task Manager in HQ is Mr Corbin Michel GUEDEGBE.
