Women2Watch
March 18, 2025
No Comments
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) isn’t exactly a walk in the park. It’s tough, competitive, and often very male-dominated. But guess what? There are a ton of African women shaking things up in STEM, leading change and making Africa proud. Let’s meet some of these amazing women!
Fatima Zohra Benhamida (Algeria)
Think tech is just about coding? Not for Fatima! As a Technical Product Manager at Dolead, she’s the genius making sure digital products work smoothly, solve problems, and improve lives. She’s got her hands in both the technical and human side of tech, a rare combo!
From Algeria to France, Fatima is showing us that African women belong in the tech rooms where big decisions are made. If you’ve got both tech and people skills, just know you’re a powerhouse like Fatima!
Fatoumata Kébé (Mali)
Fatoumata is an astrophysicist at SpaceAble, a start-up company dedicated to the safety and sustainability of satellites in space. Fatoumata is literally studying the stars and working to protect outer space from debris (yes, space trash is a thing!). She’s also super passionate about science education, especially for girls. This Malian-born star chaser proves that you can shoot for the moon and beyond. So, what’s stopping you from reaching for the stars?
Taida Mapara (Zimbabwe)
While most kids are still in high school at 14, Taida Mapara was already studying medicine at the Malawi College of Medicine! Raised in Zimbabwe and Ghana, Taida’s family faced financial challenges, but her mom who’s a teacher homeschooled her, and she kept shining. Inspired by doctors on TV, she dreamed of wearing the white coat and she’s doing it! Now, she’s on her way to becoming a cardiologist, and when she’s not studying, Taida helps run The Helping Cub Foundation to support the disabled and underprivileged.
Tolullah Oni (Nigeria)
Tolullah is a medical doctor and a public health superhero. She is the Co-Director, Global Diet & Activity Research Group, University of Cambridge and she’s on a mission to make cities healthier.
She’s combining science, policy, and real-life solutions to build better environments for all. Her story teaches that in life, you don’t have to choose between being smart and changing the world. You can do both!
Aline Saraiva Okello (Mozambique/Kenya)
Aline is the Co-Founder, HarvestRainWater and Global Network Manager, Rural Water Supply Network. She’s working on innovative solutions to help rural communities access clean water, especially through rainwater harvesting.
From Mozambique to Kenya, her work is helping thousands of people live healthier lives. She’s not just dreaming of change, she’s building it, one water system at a time.
These young women prove something powerful; Africa is full of talent, brilliance, and unstoppable women rewriting the STEM story. If you love science, math, health, or tech, this is your sign to go for it!
