Speech by project initiator, Priscilla Kerebi - Edsource Africa
What started as a vision—a bold idea to bridge the gap for girls in STEM TVET—has now come to life in ways that have left me humbled and inspired. InnovateHER; Girls in STEM TVET Launch was a milestone of deliberate action and collective effort.
From the very first conversations, we dared to ask, “How do we break barriers and create real opportunities for young women in STEM TVET?”—and at this launch, we saw the collaboration, and commitment from our partners and supporters, come to life.
Dr. Esther Muoria, the Principal Secretary State Department for TVET, emphasized that the conversation must move beyond boardrooms and into action. We cannot simply discuss opportunities for girls in STEM TVET—we must build them, showcase them, and create pathways that lead to real change.
This is exactly what InnovateHER is all about!
We also had the honor of hosting STEM TVET showcases by incredible female students from Nairobi Institute of Technology (N.I.T) and The Toolkit for Skills and Innovation ;Building;Innovating
& Challenging stereotypes.
Watching them confidently demonstrate their skills was a reminder of why this initiative matters. When girls see others like them excelling in STEM TVET, they believe they can do it too.
It was interesting to learn that the biggest influences on a girl’s perception of STEM TVET are often her father, family, and community. If we normalize technical careers in childhood, we shift mindsets before biases set in. This includes exposing them to Role models who will always remind her: "You are capable. You are enough. You belong here." - When she sees women in engineering, IT, Manufacturing and construction, her aspirations become possible.
To our incredible partners, including the State Department for TVET, CAP Youth Empowerment Institute, Toolkit Skills and Innovation and every organization and individual who made this possible, thank you.
We are building the InnovateHER Network for Girls Supporting Girls in STEM TVET:
Mentorship & Role Models – Because representation matters.
Industry Collaborations – Because skills must connect to real opportunities.
Entrepreneurship & Leadership Development – Because girls in STEM TVET should be job creators, not just job seekers.
