Forum calls for greater investment in STEM, digital skills

DAR ES SALAAM: STAKEHOLDERS have called for greater investment in girls’ access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), digital skills and leadership opportunities to ensure their meaningful participation in development.

The call came during the ninth Girls’ Agenda Forum, which highlighted the importance of education, economic empowerment, and girls’ participation in decision-making as the country advances its Development Vision 2050.

Ms Consolata Chikoti, Director General of Msichana Initiative, said empowering girls must remain central to Tanzania’s development ambitions, stressing that inclusive and sustainable growth cannot be achieved while girls face barriers to education and economic opportunities.

She noted that decisions made today would shape whether girls could become scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, policymakers and national leaders by 2050.

“Investing in girls is not merely a social responsibility; it is a strategic investment in Tanzania’s future,” she said, calling for concerted efforts to expand opportunities and address inequalities affecting girls.

The forum also highlighted the digital divide, with participants emphasising the need to equip girls with technological knowledge and digital skills increasingly essential for education, employment and innovation.

Ms Neema Msangi from Women Fund urged stakeholders to move beyond merely listening to girls’ experiences and ensure they actively participate in policymaking, planning and budgeting.

She called for stronger accountability in implementing policies that benefit girls, wider access to digital learning and deliberate efforts to reach girls in remote communities whose voices are often overlooked.

Ms Msangi also stressed the importance of promoting safe and responsible technology use, noting that digital access must be accompanied by awareness of online risks.

Ms Glady Mkuchi, Programme Communications and Events representative at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to gender equality, describing it as fundamental to sustainable development.

She said girls should have equal opportunities to access quality education, develop leadership skills and influence decisions affecting their future.

Meanwhile, Ms Asha Vuai, Director of Children’s Services in the Ministy of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups,, called for intensified efforts to end child marriage and all forms of violence against girls.

She emphasised that protecting girls, keeping them in school and expanding their economic opportunities were essential to achieving inclusive development.

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