Kwabena Boahen Asare

Oct 31, 2024 | science.org | Jerika J. Barron |Zhenyu Wang |Roberto Arbore |Kwabena Boahen Asare

Africa has seen a notable increase in young women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields over the past two decades. In 2019, the continent boasted the greatest share of female STEM students globally—47% across 49 universities—according to a report from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Sadly, much of this talent is underutilized.

Sep 14, 2023 | science.org | Kwabena Boahen Asare

The lab doors swung open, and as I stepped inside my ambitions of becoming a Black scientist stood tall. Fueled by lifelong dreams of breaking barriers and shattering ceilings, I was set to embark on my first stint as an undergraduate researcher. But reality soon hit hard. The stark absence of Black scientists left me questioning my place in science. Would other researchers doubt my abilities? See me as an outsider? Or worse, feel hatred?