InnovateHER Initiative Launched to Empower Girls in STEM Through TVE

In a landmark effort to bridge the gender gap in STEM and technical education, key stakeholders gathered at the Kenya School of TVET for the launch of InnovateHER: Empowering Girls in STEM through TVET.

The initiative, spearheaded by EdSource Africa in partnership with CAP Youth Empowerment Institute (CAPYEI) and the State Department for TVET, marks a significant step toward fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities for young women in traditionally male-dominated fields.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), women remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), particularly in Africa. Despite making up nearly half of the global population, women constitute only 28% of those in STEM careers worldwide.

In Kenya, gender disparities persist in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes, limiting opportunities for young women to enter high-demand technical fields.

InnovateHER seeks to address these disparities by equipping young women with the skills and training necessary to excel in STEM-related careers. The programme aims to increase female enrolment in TVET institutions, provide mentorship opportunities, and foster a genderresponsive learning environment that accommodates the unique needs of female students.

Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Purity Ngina, Commission Secretary/CEO of the National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), underscored the critical role of gender-responsive policies in fostering inclusive development.

“Empowering young women through STEM and TVET is not just about education—it is about economic transformation. Genderresponsive policies ensure that female learners have equal access to opportunities, financial support, and a conducive environment to thrive in technical fields,” Dr. Ngina stated.

She further emphasized NGEC’s dedication to advocating for policies and programmes that create pathways for young women to excel in industries historically dominated by men.

InnovateHER is the result of a multi-sectoral approach that brings together the government, nonprofit organisations, and private sector partners. EdSource Africa and CAPYEI, in collaboration with the State Department for TVET, have committed to implementing strategies that make TVET institutions more accessible to women.

The launch of InnovateHER aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, both of which prioritise gender equality and inclusive economic development. By increasing female participation in TVET, the initiative aims to boost the number of women in STEM careers, thereby driving national and regional economic growth.

NGEC Commission Secretary/CEO, Dr. Purity Ngina, MBS, delivers remarks at the launch of InnovateHER