Young Scientists Kenya [YSK] continues to be a driving force in STEM education, empowering students across the country to address critical challenges through science and technology. Gheida Omar, a distinguished alumna, is a shining example of YSK’s transformative impact. Currently pursuing a degree in Information Technology at the Technical University of Mombasa, Gheida first gained recognition with her innovative app, Girls I Save, which tackles pressing social issues like Female Genital Mutilation and domestic abuse.
Gheida’s initiative has not only garnered widespread attention, but also significant accolades, including the prestigious Rising Star Award at the Pwani Women Awards. Beyond her groundbreaking app, Gheida is an advocate for promoting STEM education, particularly among young women in Kenya. Her story highlights the essential role YSK plays in nurturing young talent and inspiring the next generation of innovators.
The upcoming YSK exhibition, themed ‘Developing Sustainable Solutions for Climate Change,’ is set to take place from August 19-23 at the Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi. This event promises to showcase the ingenuity of Kenya’s youth as they present solutions to one of the world’s most pressing issues.
Can you introduce yourself? What’s your name and what do you do?
My name is Gheida Abdala. I’m the founder of Girls I-Save and a student at the Technical University of Mombasa. I’ve been honored as a Global Scholar 2024 by the Ban Ki-moon Foundation and currently serve as a Generation Connect Youth Envoy with the International Telecommunications Union [ITU]. In addition to that, I’m a passionate STEM educator and mentor, focused on advocating for STEM education and innovation in the coastal region. My efforts to empower youth, especially girls, have also earned me the Pwani Women Award 2023.
How would you describe the current state of the STEM ecosystem in Kenya, particularly in terms of its uptake and impact?
The STEM ecosystem in Kenya is on an exciting trajectory, with growing enthusiasm and a strong emphasis on STEM education and innovation. Numerous organizations are playing pivotal roles in expanding this ecosystem.
For instance, Young Scientists Kenya [YSK] is broadening its horizons through international partnerships, which are creating new opportunities for young Kenyans. Additionally, initiatives like Safaricom’s “Plug Mtaani” are fostering local startups that address community challenges, further enriching the STEM landscape. The increasing focus and investment in STEM are undoubtedly cultivating a dynamic and impactful ecosystem.
What motivated you to start Girls I-Save, and how has your background in STEM shaped your mentoring approach?
Growing up in Malindi, a small town in Kilifi County, I witnessed firsthand the limited opportunities available for girls, often due to societal pressures like early marriages. Watching my sisters and friends face these obstacles, I became determined to carve out a different path for myself and others. This inspired me to start Girls I-Save, a platform designed to support young girls by tackling issues like FGM and early teenage pregnancies. While I couldn’t change the past for my sisters and friends, I aim to create a brighter future for other young girls in Malindi and beyond.
My background in STEM has profoundly influenced my mentoring approach. It enables me to focus on empowering girls within STEM fields, demonstrating that they can achieve incredible things. By sharing my knowledge and experiences, I strive to inspire and guide these girls to pursue their passions in STEM, proving that they have the potential to excel.
How does Girls I-Save operate, and what impact has it made so far?
Girls I-Save is a web app that serves multiple functions: it facilitates reporting, connects users with counselors and mentors, and acts as a learning platform for STEM education.
So far, we’ve engaged over 1,500 secondary school girls in the coastal region through STEM mentorship programs. Additionally, we’ve provided hands-on STEM and innovation training to over 25 girls during a three-month period. On a virtual level, Girls I-Save has reached more than 500 girls across Kenya, significantly expanding our impact and reach.
What do you hope to achieve through your partnership with Young Scientists Kenya [YSK]?
Our partnership with Young Scientists Kenya [YSK] is geared towards introducing more girls to STEM and the world of innovation. We’re excited to collaborate with YSK on their various programs, using their platform to extend our reach and impact. This partnership will enable us to offer more opportunities for girls to explore and excel in STEM fields, participate in national and international competitions, and access valuable resources and mentorship. Ultimately, our goal is to inspire a new generation of female scientists, engineers, and innovators who can contribute to solving real-world problems and driving societal progress.
What challenges do girls commonly face when pursuing STEM subjects, and how does Girls I-Save help them overcome these obstacles?
One of the biggest challenges girls face when pursuing STEM is a lack of confidence, often stemming from stereotypes that suggest STEM fields are too difficult for them. At Girls I-Save, we focus on building self-confidence through personal development, helping girls believe in their capabilities.
When we launched our first STEM cohort, many girls were initially uncertain about their ability to come up with innovative ideas. However, by the end of our three-month program, they had developed impressive projects and significantly boosted their self-belief and confidence. Our approach emphasizes continuous support, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, empowering girls to overcome these challenges and thrive in STEM fields.
