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Fostering Sustainable Female Participation in STEM Through Ecological Systems Theory: A Comparative Study in Three African Countries

Author

Listed:
  • Olusiji Adebola Lasekan

    (Departamento de Educación e Innovación, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco 4780000, Chile)

  • Margot Teresa Godoy Pena

    (Languages Coordination, Dirección de Trayectoria Formativa, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile)

  • Adeyinka John Odebode

    (Department of Basic Science, Kampala International University, Western Campus, Bushenyi P.O. Box 20000, Uganda)

  • Alfredo Pedro Mabica

    (Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Pedagogical University of Maputo, Maputo 1100, Mozambique)

  • Raul Abílio Mabasso

    (Faculty of Applied Social Sciences, Mato Grosso State University, Cáceres 78217-900, Brazil)

  • Oluwatosin Mogbadunade

    (Department of Education Foundations, University of Lagos, Akoka 100213, Nigeria)

Abstract

This study explores factors influencing female engagement in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields in Mozambique, Nigeria, and Uganda through Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. The research collected qualitative data from 81 women across these countries through open-ended surveys. Using content analysis, the results demonstrate the critical role of personal interests nurtured by family, showing how direct interactions with family influence STEM engagement at a microsystem level. The mesosystem level reveals the supportive influence of community and school interactions, emphasizing the importance of relationships between different microsystems, such as family–school collaborations, in fostering female participation in STEM. The exosystem level identifies the impact of positive media portrayals and role models, illustrating how external environments indirectly affect perceptions and aspirations in STEM through media and societal influences. The macrosystem level underscores the persistent cultural norms shaping gender roles, reflecting broader societal and cultural values that influence gender diversity in STEM fields, with 63% of respondents in Mozambique, 57% in Nigeria, and 67% in Uganda indicating that societal views on gender roles discouraged participation. Lastly, the chronosystem level captures the temporal changes and progress in gender diversity in STEM, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and policy reforms to address longstanding gender imbalances. Despite progress, significant gender imbalances remain, necessitating targeted interventions and policy reforms. The study proposes a sustainable, collaborative model to foster early interest and sustained participation of females in STEM, emphasizing the importance of seamless cooperation among families, educational institutions, communities, and government bodies. The findings aid in creating supportive environments for sustaining female STEM participation, promoting economic and social development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Olusiji Adebola Lasekan & Margot Teresa Godoy Pena & Adeyinka John Odebode & Alfredo Pedro Mabica & Raul Abílio Mabasso & Oluwatosin Mogbadunade, 2024. "Fostering Sustainable Female Participation in STEM Through Ecological Systems Theory: A Comparative Study in Three African Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-23, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:21:p:9560-:d:1512878
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas Breda & Julien Grenet & Marion Monnet & Clémentine Van Effenterre, 2023. "How Effective are Female Role Models in Steering Girls Towards STEM? Evidence from French High Schools," The Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 133(653), pages 1773-1809.
    2. Anne Ardila Brenøe & Ulf Zölitz, 2020. "Exposure to More Female Peers Widens the Gender Gap in STEM Participation," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 38(4), pages 1009-1054.
    3. Florian Hoffmann & Philip Oreopoulos, 2009. "A Professor Like Me: The Influence of Instructor Gender on College Achievement," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 44(2).
    4. Mariluz Guenaga & Andoni Eguíluz & Pablo Garaizar & Ander Mimenza, 2022. "The Impact of Female Role Models Leading a Group Mentoring Program to Promote STEM Vocations among Young Girls," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-19, January.
    5. Hoffman, Florian & Oreopoulos, Philip, 2009. "A Professor Like Me: Influence of Professor Gender on University Achievement," CLSSRN working papers clsrn_admin-2009-13, Vancouver School of Economics, revised 02 Feb 2009.
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