Our Story

Empowering Female Minds in STEMM (EFeMS) is a registered non-profit organization established in 2020 by Dr. Anna Olanrewaju. As a first-generation Canadian with Ghanaian roots, Dr. Olanrewaju founded EFeMS based on her personal experiences and frustrations during her own graduate school journey. Recognizing the lack of mentorship and professional development opportunities available to her, she took it upon herself to create a platform that would empower and support African women in STEMM.

Based in Canada, EFeMS recognizes the systemic exclusion and marginalization faced by women residing in Africa within STEMM disciplines. Shockingly, only 30% of students enrolled in STEMM majors in sub-Saharan Africa are women, and this number further declines in low-income African countries (UNESCO, 2020).

Various factors contribute to this gender disparity, including family responsibilities, work-life balance challenges, and negative traditional beliefs. However, research by The African Academy of Sciences highlighted that personal capabilities, academic preparation, mentorship, training opportunities, and funding positively influence women to pursue and excel in STEMM careers.

EFeMS firmly believes that by fostering mentorship, networking, and professional development, African women can be encouraged to pursue STEMM careers, become leaders in their fields, and dismantle the entrenched gender disparity.