Separating some of the common myths from reality

The aim being to demystify issues related to gender, science and technology. For instance advising girls and other women aspiring for a scientific career that it does not entail a compromise in a girl’s or woman’s appearance or family life. Girls will be told that it is perfectly possible for a good scientist to be a stylish career woman as well as a good mother and that it is not appearance that counts, but competence

Organize College Science Camps for Secondary School Students

The purpose of the College Camp would be to engage secondary school students in science and technology subjects by hosting them at a college campus for a period of time and giving them a taster of college life, the kinds of subjects they would have the opportunity to learn and the types of careers they could branch into.

Advocacy for Bridging Programs

WISTNET plans to advocate for bridging programs to enable women with deficiencies in science subjects to access science and technology courses at college. This will help capable young girls to overcome deficiencies in science that may have been caused by external factors beyond their control

Support for girls in S & T courses

Emotional support, advice and coping strategies from those that have been through the system and extra tutoring to help those facing difficulties.

Support for Female Researchers

Scientific Writing retreats and Funding for presentations at conferences

Professional Development Workshops

Targeting women in science and technology to ensure that women stay current within their chosen professions and work-life balance.

Production of brochures and awareness materials and programmes

Production and distribution of brochures and leaflets on girls, science and technology. Television, radio and electronic media programmes on girls, science and technology.

Challenges

Implementation of programs aimed at mainstreaming gender in science and technology have proven effective. Further, the use of Women in Science and Technology Network have and continues to inspire more girls to pursue science.

However effective implementation of gender mainstreaming programs is facing a number of challenges notably:

1. Absence of established partners
2. Inadequate finances as the activities are solely financed by the NCST, whose budget has dwindled over the years

The NCST is committed to supporting and implementing activities that promote science and technology among girls, albeit on a limited budget. The Commission therefore considers effective collaboration and partnerships with organization with similar interests as the best and sustainable way of implementing programs that aim at inculcating a science and technology culture among the girls in Malawi.