Banjul, 18 July 2025: In a world where women remain vastly underrepresented in science and technology, one Gambian woman is changing the narrative, one girl at a time.
Kodou Jeng, a seasoned telecommunications engineer with over two decades of experience, has made it her life’s mission to build the kind of support system she never had. From a modest upbringing with parents who never went to school, she defied the odds, earned a scholarship, and rose through the ranks in a male-dominated field. Yet, her journey was often lonely.
“Throughout my journey, I often found myself being the only woman in the room, and knew that wasn’t because other women weren’t capable, but because the system wasn’t designed to support them,” she posited.
That realization, she said, birthed Women in STEM Gambia in October 2022, an initiative designed to empower girls and women through mentorship, hands-on learning, and leadership opportunities. Just under three years later, the impact has been nothing short of transformational. Now evolving into Women in STEM Africa, the movement has already reached over 6,000 girls and women across the continent.
At the heart of the organization’s mission is a drive to make science, technology, engineering, and mathematics accessible and inclusive: from senior secondary school to university, and even informal learning spaces. Through popular programmes like STEM Fairs, Career Talks, and Leadership Dialogues, girls gain direct exposure to STEM environments, build confidence, and engage with role models who show them what’s possible.
Jeng’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. She has received accolades, including STEM Woman of the Year in Kenya, and was named among the 100 Most Influential Women in Africa. Under her leadership, the organization has partnered with global institutions like Amrita University to introduce virtual science labs in schools with limited resources. With support from the Q-Group Foundation, two members are currently pursuing degrees abroad.
But Jeng is also quick to acknowledge the roadblocks that persist, such as cultural stereotypes, lack of mentorship, and inadequate facilities. “Many schools lack adequate lab facilities and hands-on learning resources, which makes STEM education less engaging and accessible,” she said.
To counter these challenges, Women in STEM Gambia launched a training-of-trainers programme for nearly 200 educators across Africa, equipping them with tools to deliver practical STEM education, even without physical labs. The goal is to extend this initiative to every school in The Gambia and eventually the continent.
She commended the Government of The Gambia, through the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, particularly in the establishment of the University of Science, Engineering and Technology (USET). “I remember having to leave my family and elderly parents behind to travel to Ghana to pursue my engineering degree, which I earned at the age of 40. Today, young Gambians—especially girls—can study engineering right here at home. That is true progress and opportunity.”
To families, Jeng’s advice is for them to encourage curiosity. “Parents can play a vital role by encouraging their daughters to be curious, to explore science, and to believe in themselves.”
And to the girls themselves, she sends a powerful message.
“You belong in STEM. Don’t let anyone make you feel otherwise. Your curiosity, your questions, and your ideas are powerful tools for change.”
From humble beginnings to continental impact, Kodou Jeng is not just leading a movement. She is opening doors and leaving them wide open for the next generation of African innovators.
By Mahzouba Maya Faal
