Mator Design partners with Girlup Zimbabwe to advance gender equity in STEM

We are pleased to announce that Mator Design is collaborating with Girl Up Zimbabwe to champion gender equity in STEM across Zimbabwe.

Girl Up is a global leadership development initiative founded by the United Nations Foundation focusing on empowering young women and girls to become leaders, advocates, and changemakers in their communities. It’s a global movement of young female leaders who fight for equal rights, access and opportunities for every girl.

The Gender Gap Index shows that women are underrepresented in STEM fields in Zimbabwe, with only 28.79 percent of all women with STEM degrees, compared to 71.21 percent of all male students. With the progress in gender equality we might hope for better news, but the underage pregnancies prevalence in Zimbabwe gives us a pause. In 2024, about 13,300 teenagers were impregnated in Manicaland Province according to Herald Online. Underage pregnancy is a serious concern, as it forces young girls out of school and severely limits their opportunities for education, career growth and financial independence. When girls become mothers at an early age, they often face social stigma, health risks, and financial instability, perpetuating cycles of poverty and gender inequality. 

To foster long-term success in STEM fields, we must cultivate an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers women to thrive and excel in their careers. This means addressing systemic barriers, providing mentorship, ensuring equitable opportunities in STEM and championing workplace cultures where women’s contributions are valued and their growth is actively encouraged.

In collaboration with GirlUp Zimbabwe, we have the collective opportunity to elevate girls through STEM education by equipping them with AI, robotics, coding skills, website development skills and STEM career guidance for them to pursue rewarding careers.

Together we're advancing SDG5 (Gender Equality) and SDG4 (Quality Education) by empowering young girls in Zimbabwe with future-ready STEM skills.