This study examines the success and role of African women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In the absence of significant research on women’s STEM leadership, the success and roles of others could motivate an aspiring African woman to pursue a career in STEM. A qualitative approach was sought using open online questions and narratives from African women leaders about their roles and career success in STEM. Data were collected from the western, eastern, northern, and southern regions of Africa from participants who held STEM leadership positions, such as directors, deans, and chief officers. The participants were 42 women representing 12 African nations. The narratives of these women leaders’ tones and life experiences were analyzed through content analysis. The narratives of these women leaders’ tones and life experiences were analyzed in search of recurring patterns and themes. Successful leadership in STEM requires balancing career and family life, setting goals, solving problems, being open to innovative ideas, embracing diversity, collaborating, and having knowledge of STEM research and mentoring skills. Using the achievements and roles of others could inspire future African women to pursue careers in STEM.

本研究考察了非洲女性领导人在科学、技术、工程和数学 (STEM) 领域的成功和作用。在缺乏对女性 STEM 领导力的重要研究的情况下，其他人的成功和角色可能会激励有抱负的非洲女性从事 STEM 事业。使用非洲女性领导者关于她们在 STEM 中的角色和职业成功的开放在线问题和叙述，寻求一种定性方法。数据收集自非洲西部、东部、北部和南部地区担任 STEM 领导职位的参与者，例如董事、院长和首席官员。参与者是代表 12 个非洲国家的 42 名女性。通过内容分析，对这些女性领导者的叙述语气和人生经历进行分析。对这些女性领导人的语气和生活经历的叙述进行了分析，以寻找反复出现的模式和主题。STEM 领域的成功领导需要平衡职业和家庭生活、设定目标、解决问题、对创新思想持开放态度、拥抱多样性、合作以及了解 STEM 研究和指导技能。利用他人的成就和角色可以激励未来的非洲女性从事 STEM 领域的职业。