SISTARS Project

TranSforming InSTitutions to Advance women leadeRS in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (SISTARS): lessons from Ghana and Kenya is a research and advocacy initiative hosted by the University of Ghana and supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). We are on a mission to shift the landscape for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) across Africa. The overall goal of the project is to assess institutional efforts at gender mainstreaming in STEM and propose innovative strategies to promote institutional advancement and protection of women in leadership positions in academia and industry. The specific objectives are to: 1. Undertake a landscape analysis of STEM academic institutions and industry in Kenya and understand how gender equity and opportunities for women’s leadership have been mainstreamed in national and institutional policies, plans, and practices; 2. Identify extrinsic and intrinsic factors that influence the progression of women along occupational pathways and advancement or exit from selected STEM institutions; 3. Identify successful strategies that advance, protect, and promote women to leadership positions in STEM institutions; 4. Co-develop and test innovative strategies with selected case study institutions and trigger organizational change to support, advance and protect women for leadership positions in STEM careers. Through research, mentorship, training, and policy influence, we aim to create systems where women in STEM can not only thrive but lead. 🔬 Evidence-based 👩🏾🔬 Women-centered 🌍 Africa-rooted 🚀 Leadership-driven