A scoping review of interest and resilience of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in Africa (2013–2023): mapping the evidence to improve gender equity

Abstract

The object of research: Factors that promote and hinder African women’s interest and resilience in STEM. Investigated problem: Despite the growing body of research on women’s participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), African women remain significantly underrepresented. While the gender gap has been narrowed in other disciplines, progress in STEM remains slow. Additionally, few studies focus on the factors influencing women’s interest and resilience in STEM. This study applied the PRISMA-ScR framework to identify, evaluate, and systematically analyze findings. The main scientific results: The review identified personal and contextual factors as key influences on African women’s interest and resilience in STEM. Both factors promoted and hindered interest and resilience in STEM fields. Personal factors, such as age, self-image, vicarious informed choice, breaking stereotypes, and computer self-efficacy, and contextual factors, such as locality, teacher characteristics, lack of basic infrastructure, cultural beliefs, and limited same-gender mentorship, significantly encouraged and discouraged women from pursuing and persisting in STEM. The area of practical use of the research results: The study offers recommendations to policymakers, school administrators, and caregivers. Strategies include integrating gender-inclusive STEM curricula, structured mentorship programmes, reskilling and upskilling initiatives, and implementing gender-inclusive policies and awareness campaigns to enhance women’s interest and resilience in STEM. Innovative technological product: This scoping review synthesized research on African women’s interest and resilience in STEM, revealing that women are increasingly breaking stereotypes of male dominance. Scope of the innovative technological product: STEM drives innovation, economic growth and technological advancement. Ensuring African women’s participation in STEM is essential for inclusive development. This study explores the personal and contextual factors shaping African women’s interest and resilience in STEM, highlighting both the hindrances and opportunities