It always warms my heart to speak to young girls who are breaking societal barriers and going after their dreams even in fields that are not considered ‘girly’. As we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, I had the pleasure of speaking to Sylvia Ngari, a 23 year old alumni of the Equity Leaders Programme and currently a student at Kenyatta University.
Why did you choose to explore studies and a career in science?
I always loved sciences and math. They were my favourites. In high school I did all sciences, Computer Studies and Geography and I couldn’t have made a better choice. Math is fun and I just had to continue with it in University. I chose Electrical Engineering since it’s versatile. Applies in almost every other field you can think of.
Are there any women who have inspired your career choice and if so who and how?
Marie Curie is an inspiration. She has several firsts to her name. First woman to have a Nobel Prize. First person (both male and female) to earn it twice and first female professor in the university she studied in (Sorbonne University). Her discovery of radioactivity still shapes the world today!! She was a great lady scientist whose level of excellence and commitment to her work motivates me to be the best I can. Did I mention her daughter followed in her footsteps? Great way to pass on the mantle.
What are the challenges you have faced as a woman in science?
I haven’t faced any challenges that are unique to women. We’ve all been put on the same level and there’s no difference between male and female as far as education is concerned. The normal challenges of workload are common to all.
Did ELP prepare you for the journey ahead? If so how?
Yes, ELP prepared me for the journey. The program connected me with similar minded peers and a host of mentors who were pursuing courses in STEM. They helped form an even stronger conviction that I had chosen the right path.
Are there many girls from ELP pursuing careers / education in science? How have you inspired each other?
Yes, many of them are pursuing careers in science. A good number take Engineering or Computer Science. We have inspired each other by pushing ourselves beyond our comfort zones. Every so often we see one of us making an achievement and it motivates the rest to also push their limits.
Do you have a leadership role in any science affiliated associations?
Currently, no. However, I just completed my term in office as the treasurer of IEEE Kenyatta University Student Branch. I am also serving as the class rep for my class of 55 students for the past 5 years.
Where do you see yourself in future?
I see myself as a practicing engineer making an impact through my work: especially in the agricultural field.
Why agriculture?
I’ve always had a hit a run kind of relationship in the past but during Covid I realized that I actually like it. We had a coding unit in second year and we were supposed to come up with projects of our choice. I ended up choosing something agriculture related. At that time I took it as a choice like any other choice. I later chose agriculture again in 5th year. So I came to realize that there is a pattern to this.
During Covid it became very clear that agriculture is what I’d like to pursue for the rest of my life. I want to use my engineering skills in agriculture and I’m actually planning to pursue further studies in it outside the country. I feel that agriculture needs a lot of expertise in whatever engineering can offer.
What would you tell your younger self or those behind you about being a woman in science?
Science is fun, go the whole mile with it.
Do you have any future plans to empower young girls who want to pursue science?
Science is fun, go the whole mile with it.
As part of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers), we are a number of women in engineering and we go out to high schools and talk to young girls about science. We get them motivated about science.
Any parting shot?
Wherever your heart is, make sure you stay there. To ladies out there who love science, there’s more than enough room for you.