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RESEARCH_AND_RELATED_CAPACITY_STRENGTHENING

Examining Participation and Quality of Experiences of Women in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics: Postgraduate Training Programs and Careers in East Africa, IDRC Women in STEM

Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, 2021 - 2023
Research and Related Capacity Strengthening (RRCS)
Evelyne Gitau, PhD
Last modified March 19, 2025 Page views 11407 Documentation in PDF Metadata DDI/XML JSON

Identification

IDNO
DDI-KEN-APHRC-IDRCWS-2020-v01
Title
Examining Participation and Quality of Experiences of Women in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics: Postgraduate Training Programs and Careers in East Africa, IDRC Women in STEM
Subtitle
IDRC Women in STEM
Country
Name Country code
Kenya KEN
Uganda UGA
Tanzania TZN
Rwanda RWN
Burundi BRN
Abstract
High quality postgraduate training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related disciplines in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is important to strengthen research evidence to advance development and ensure countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Equally, participation of women in STEM careers is vital, to ensure that countries develop economies that work for all their citizens. However, women and girls remain underrepresented in STEM due to gender stereotyping, lack of visible role models, and unsupportive policies and work environments. Therefore, there is a need to consolidate information on participation and experiences of women in STEM related postgraduate training and careers in SSA to enhance their contribution to realizing the SDGs.
The primary objective of this study is to examine the participation and experiences of women in postgraduate training, and their subsequent recruitment, retention and progression in STEM careers in East Africa. A secondary objective is to establish the gender gaps in training and career engagement in selected STEM related academic disciplines in East Africa. The descriptive study will employ a mixed methods approach, including a scoping review, qualitative interviews, and quantitative analysis of secondary data. We will synthesize results to inform the development of an effective gendered approach and framework to improve participation and experiences of women in STEM training and career engagements in SSA. We will conduct the study over a period of five years.

Version

Version Date
2024-06-05
Version Notes
N/A

Scope

Keywords
Keyword
Supervision
Mentorship
Gender
Equality
Covid-19
Enrolment
Graduation
Postgraduate
Career
Women
Gender
Equality
Science Technology Engneering and Mathematics (APHRC)

Coverage

Geographic Coverage
Regional coverage (East Africa Region)
Unit of Analysis
Individual
Women in STEM
Universe
Qualitative data: Women in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in postgraduate training and career
Quantitative data: Postgraduate students, faculty, reseachers and supervisors (both men and women) in STEM in Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) member Universitiies

Producers and sponsors

Authoring entity/Primary investigators
Agency Name Affiliation
Evelyne Gitau, PhD African Population and Health Research Center
Producers
Name Affiliation Role
Anne M. Khisa, PhD African Population and Health Research Center Co-Investigator
Karimi, Florah, PhD African Population and Health Research Center Co-Investigator
Wao, Hesborn, PhD African Population and Health Research Center Co-Investigator
Vicente-Crespo, Marta, PhD African Population and Health Research Center Co-Investigator
Leah Mwangi African Population and Health Research Center Project Manager
Laura Rachel Naidi University of Oxford Co-Investigator
Hiram Kariuki Ndichu African Population and Health Research Center Data documentation specialist
Abel Simiyu African Population and Health Research Center Data documentation specialist
Bonface Ingumba African Population and Health Research Center Data Governance expert
Funding Agency/Sponsor
Name Abbreviation Role
International Development Research Centre IDRC Funder
Other Identifications/Acknowledgments
Name Affiliation Role
Prof. Michael Mawa Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) Head of the Quality Assurance and Qualifications Framework unit in Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA)
Dr. Dieudonne Uwizeye University of Rwanda Collaborator, Rwanda
Dr. Yves Ndayikunda Bujumbura Light University Collaborator, Burundi
Dr. Paul Albert University of Dar es Salaam Collaborator, Tanzania
Prof Masharabu Tatien National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation, Burundi Permanent Executive Secretary
Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona Inter-University Council for East Africa Executive vice secretary
Dr. Salome Guchu Inter-University Council for East Africa Principal Innovation and Outreach Officer
Prof Vincent Ssembatya National Council for Higher Education, Uganda Principal Innovation and Outreach Officer
Prof. Claver Nijimbere Science, Technology and Research, Burundi Director General
Prof. Gasogo Anastasie National Commission for Higher Education, Burundi Lecturer and Vice-President
Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala Ministry of Education, Kenya Principal Secretary, State Department fo Higher Education
Judith Odhiambo Ministry of Education, Kenya Principal Secretary, State Department fo Higher Education
Prof. Mike Kuria Commission for University Education (CUE) CEO
Dr. Mary Onsarigo National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation , Kenya Senior Science Analyst
Ms. Margaret Muthee National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation , Kenya Senior Science Analyst
Hildegalda Prosper Mushi Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology Research Scientist
Dr. Waruguru Mburu KCA University Senior Lecturer
Dr. Rachael Kibuku KCA University Senior Lecturer
Dr. Esther Nthiga Dedan Kimathi University Agriculture and Technology Senior Lecturer
Dr. Joyce Kiplimo University of Kabiaga Senior Lecturer
Dr. Rachael Njeri Ndung’u Murang'a University of Technology Ag. Chairman of Department
Dr. Umulkher Ali Abdilahi Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology Director, Directorate of International Relations and Academic Linkages
Prof. Charles Mutai Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology DVC, Planning, research and innovation
Dr. Josephine Kagunda University of Nairobi Senior Lecturer
Prof. Wilson K. Kipng’eno University of Kabianga Vice Chancellor
Prof. David Malonza South Easter Kenya University Associate Professor
Dr. Damian Respicius Shumbusho University of Dar Es Salaam Senior Lecturer
Dr. Zubeda S. Musa University of Dar Es Salaam Senior Lecturer
Dr. Anitha Philbert University of Dar Es Salaam Senior Lecturer
Ema Boki University of Dar Es Salaam Postgraduate Student
Dr. Zubeda S. Musa University of Dar Es Salaam Postgraduate Student
Prof. Levina Msuya Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College Associate Professor
Prof. Grace Kinabo Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College Associate Professor
Dr. Ali M. Ussi State University of Zanzibar Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academics, Research and Consultancy
Dr. Godefroid Mudaheranwa Open University of Tanzania Senior Lecturer
Dr. Mary-Winnie Asifa Nanyaro Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) Senior Lecturer
Dr. Jolly Rubagiza University of Rwanda Faculty - Gender studies
Dr Delphine Mukingambeho University of Rwanda Senior Lecturer
Dr. Bikorimana Gerard University of Rwanda Senior Lecturer, HoD of Social Sciences
Dr. Noella Josiane Umuhoza Karemera University of Rwanda Senior Lecturer, Ag. Director of the Centre of Postgraduate Studies
Dr. Myriam Mujawamaliya University of Rwanda Faculty - Environmental sciences
Prof. Bideri Ishuheli Nyamulinda University of Rwanda Director of Research
Prof. Madelaine Mukeshimana University of Rwanda Faculty - Community Health Nursing
Prof. Nusura Hassan Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS) Director General of ENS
Rev. Dr Pascal Bigirimana Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS) Vice chancellor
Dr. Jeanine Ndihokubwayo Hope Africa University Director Quality Assurance
Rev. Dr Apollinaire Bangayimbaga University of Ngozi Senior Lecturer
Dr Silas SAYUMWE Gitega Polytechnic University Vice chancellor
Prof. Marie Josée Bigendako University of Burundi DVC - University
Armel Ishimwe Bujumbura Light University Assistant Dean - Light University
David Byamungu Bujumbura Light University Lecturer
Dr. Saphina Biira Busitema University Deputy Vice Chancellor
Dr. Charles Namisi Uganda Martyrs University Senior Lecturer
Prof. Justus Kwetegyeka Kyambogo University Senior Lecturer
Dr. Wamala Robert Makerere University Director
Dr. Lamwaka Alice Gulu University Senior Lecturer
Dr. Halima Akbar Islamic University Registrar
Marie Eglantine Juru Inter-University Council for East Africa Senior. Quality Assurance and Standards Officer (Former)
Dorine Rwehera Inter-University Council for East Africa Coordinator- EAC Scholarship Programme
Dr. Lysa Carole Niketa Bujumbura Light University Faculty
Dr. Karimumuryango Menedore University of Burundi Faculty

Sampling

Sampling Procedure
The study utilized a purposive sampling technique and targeted all universities that offered doctoral programs in applied sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics. At the time, only 23 of the 74 universities in Kenya—equivalent to 30%—offered doctoral degrees in STEM. It was assumed that a similar or lower percentage would be found in the other five countries, namely Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan.

Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants from purposively selected universities and national higher education commissions and agencies for the study. In universities, all students enrolled in doctoral programs in STEM were considered. Additionally, female and male students' lecturers, supervisors, mentors, and other faculty members and researchers in the identified institutions were also considered for participation in the study.

Purposive sampling of doctoral students, faculty, and early career researchers (post-doctoral fellows within the first six years since receiving their PhD) was conducted using the following inclusion criteria:

Inclusion criteria
i. Worked in a STEM field/discipline
ii. Enrolled in a doctoral program within a STEM field
iii. Early career researchers in a STEM field in research organizations
iv. Faculty in a STEM field at a university

Additionally, registrars, postgraduate training coordinators, heads of departments, and officials from national agencies and ministries related to postgraduate training and research were purposively selected from all the identified universities to provide input on existing policies, guidelines, and enrollment data. For each of the mentioned groups, 7-12 interviews were conducted, totaling 60 interviews.
Deviations from the Sample Design
Qualitative
For the Key informant interviews one participant was interviewed from the engineers board despite the scope being Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA) member Universities.

Quantitative
The online survey was completed by some researchers not working/teaching in IUCEA member universities
Response Rate
Quantitaive
The online survey link was circulated using contacts within universities and research institutions in East Africa via email and social media platforms such as WhatApp hence it is impossible to track those who received the survey and hence it is not possible t calculate the survey response rate.
Weighting
N/A

Data Collection

Dates of Data Collection (YYYY/MM/DD)
Start date End date
2021-04-27 2023-05-31
Mode of data collection
Other [oth]
Supervision
Secondary data - in Kenya data was collected by research assistant reporting to the project manager. In Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda the data was collected by research assistants who were supervised by the country collaborators.

Online Interviews - The research assistants sent out the link with the online survey to all postgraduate students and faculty members in institutions across the five East African countries. Each country had one research assistant. Their roles were to send out the survey as well as conducting follow ups for those who had not completed the survey. Due to the low response rate in Burundi, the research asisitant went to the

Qualitative interviews: In-depth interviews and the focus group discussions were carried out by research assistants with the support of the larger project team. In Kenya the indepth interviews were conducted by the program coordinator. In Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda the interviews were collected by research assistants who were supervised by the country collaborators. The responsibility of the research assistants was mainly scheduling interviews, conducting the interviews, taking notes, recording and transcribing the audios.
Type of Research Instrument
Quantitative data collection
A. Online Survey
This was carried out through an online survey questionnaire that was circulated via email and other digital platforms such as WhatsApp. The questionnaire had various parts:
Part A - Participants characteristics
This section mainly collected demographic details such as age, gender, nationality, residence, marital status, income, highest level of education completed, year of study, supervision and mentoship relationship, field of study in STEM (Science, Technology, Enginnering and Mathematics), mode of funding of postgraduate degree,

Part B - Status of Gender equality
This section collected information on students enrollment and graduation in masters and PhD in STEM looking at gender distribution,


Part C - Factors that contribute to participation of women in STEM
This section collected information on the factors or situations encountered while pursuing career in STEM in your specific discipline

Part D - Strategies for Optimizing Women's Engagement in STEM
This section collected information on the strategies can maximize engagement of women in STEM training PhD level and subsequent careers

Part E - Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's progression
In this section collected information on COVID-19 pandemic affect on research progress or deadline for submission of thesis, COVID-19 pandemic affect on current research funding, COVID-19 pandemic caused researchers to work from home, working from affected progress in studies, any direct responsibilities caring for children, number of children being taken care of, change of domestic work responsibilities since the COVID-19 outbreak, change of domestic work responsibilities since the COVID-19 outbreak on studies, COVID-19 pandemic affect on access to these research tools which inlude: Computer or laptop, Reliable Internet, Assistive Technology, Laboratory equipment, University Library, Archives/special collections and Access to patients/research participants. It als collected information on: any benefits to COVID-19 pandemic for your work, some ways one thinks their supervisor or line manager could support or help one manage the impacts of COVID-19 on studies



The questionnaire was developed in English and was latertranslated into French to accommodate the French speaking countries i.e Burundi and Rwanda. The French questionnaire was backtlanslated to English to ensure the questions still maintained their original meaning. This work was done by an external consultant and the French questionnaires were reviewed by the research assistant from Burundi and tested among postgraduate students in Light University.

All questionnares and modules are provided as external resources.

Data Processing

Cleaning Operations
Qualitative
The data was collected through qualitative interviews (In-depth interviews) and focus group discussions. They were audio recorded and the recordings were transcribed on Ms Ofiice.The transcript were subjected to data quality checks and the clean transcripts were anonyzed for data protection.

QUANTITATIVE
Secondary data
The data was collected from the five countries in an Ms Excel designed data abstraction sheet. The data abstraction sheet helped the universities administrators and rergistrars to directly enter the data only in the required field and for the defined or specific variables. For the dataset that was in hardcopy format the data entry was also done using the data abstraction sheets. The data sets were subjected to data quality checks for data quality. We used a standard template to ensure data editing took place during data entry.

Online survey
Data entry was in form of responding to the survey. Data editing was done while cleaning the data.
Other Processing
Quantitative
Secondary data - Manual data entry was done in some cases where data was keyed in manually onto the Ms Excel data abstraction sheet. These was done either at the APHRC office or remotely by a research assistant reporting to the study project manager. The data was cleaned and transferred to STATA version 17 for grouping, tabulation and analysis.

Data Appraisal

Estimates of Sampling Error
NA

Data access

Contact
Name Email
African Population and Health Reasearch Center datarequest@aphrc.org/info@aphrc.org
Conditions
APHRC data access condition

All non-APHRC staff seeking to use data generated at the Center must obtain written approval to use the data from the Director of Research.
This form is developed to assess applications for data use and facilitate responsible sharing of data with external partners/collaborators/researchers. By entering into this agreement, the undersigned agrees to use these data only for the purpose for which they were obtained and to abide by the conditions outlined below:

1.Data Ownership:
The data remain the property of APHRC; any unauthorized reproduction and sharing of the data is strictly prohibited. The user will, therefore, not release nor permit others to use or release the data to any other person without the written authorization from the Center.

2.Purpose:
The provided data must be used for the purpose specified in the Data Request Form; any other use not specified in the form must receive additional or separate authorization.

3.Respondent Identifiers:
The Center is committed to protecting the identity of the respondents who provide information in its research. All analytical data sets (both qualitative and quantitative) released by the Data Unit MUST are stripped of respondent identifiers to protect the identity of the respondents. By accepting to use APHRC data, the user is pledging that he/she will not, under any circumstance, regenerate the identifiers or permit others to use the data to learn the identity of any individual, household or community included in any data set.

4.Confidentiality pledge:
The user will not use nor permit others to use the data to report any information in the data sets that could identify, directly or by inference, individuals or households.

5.Reporting of errors or inconsistencies:
The user will promptly notify the Head of the Statistics and Survey Unit any errors discovered in the data as soon as the errors are discovered.

6.Publications resulting from APHRC data:
The Center requires external collaborators to work with APHRC staff on all publications resulting from its data. In order to facilitate this, lead authors should send a detailed concept note of the paper (including the background, rationale, data, analytical methods, and preliminary findings) to the Principle Investigator (or Theme Leader) for the project (with a copy to the Director of Research), who will circulate the abstract to concerned researchers for possible expression of interest in participating in the publication as co-authors. Any exception to the involvement of APHRC staff should be approved by the Director of Research, APHRC.

7.Security:
The user will take responsibility for the security of the data by ensuring that the data are used and stored in a secure environment where access is password protected. This will ensure that non-authorized people should not have access to the data.

8.Loss of privilege to use data:
In the event that APHRC determines that the data user is in violation of the conditions for using the data, or if the user wishes to cancel this agreement, the user will destroy the data files provided to him/her. APHRC retains the right to revoke this agreement or informs publishers to withhold publication of any work based wholly or in part on its data if the conditions for using the data are violated.

9.Acknowledgement:
Any work/reports from this data must acknowledge APHRC as the source of these data. For example, the suggested acknowledgement for NUHDSS data is:
"This research uses livelihoods data collected under the longitudinal Nairobi Urban Health and Demographic Surveillance System (NUHDSS) since 2006. The NUHDSS is carried out by the African Population and Health Research Center in two slums settlements (Korogocho and Viwandani) in Nairobi City."Additionally all funders, the study communities that provided the data, and staff who collected and analyzed or processed the data should be acknowledged.

10.Deposit of Reports/Papers:
The user should submit electronic and paper copies of all publications generated using APHRC data to the Policy Engagement and Communications Department, with copies to the Director of Research.

11.Change of contact details:
The user will promptly inform the Director of Research of any change in your personal details as contained on this data request form.
Citation requirement
Use of the dataset must be acknowledged using a citation which would include:
- the Identification of the Primary Investigator
- the title of the survey (including country, acronym and year of implementation)
- the survey reference number
- the source and date of download

Metadata production

Document ID
DDI-KEN-APHRC-IDRCWS-2020-v01
Producers
Name Abbreviation Affiliation Role
AFRICAN POPULATION AND HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER APHRC APHRC DDI Documentation
Date of Production
2024-06-24
Document version
Version 1.0 (June 2024)