New York, 12 May 2024 – Lift Africa Foundation contributes to the 9th Multi-Stakeholder
Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for the SDGs, emphasising the importance
of women’s participation and leadership within global innovation systems. Representing civil
society perspectives, Founder Aisha Hamman highlights the persistent gender gaps that continue
to limit women’s access to STEM opportunities and the broader implications for sustainable
development.
The Forum brings together governments, UN agencies, private sector partners and civil society
organisations to assess progress on the 2030 Agenda and identify the role of STI in accelerating
inclusive development.
Key Areas of Lift Africa Foundation’s Engagement
- Addressing structural barriers for women in STEM
Lift Africa Foundation underscores the need for policies that expand access to STEM education,
reduce gender disparities in technology-enabled sectors and strengthen pathways for young
women to participate in innovation ecosystems. - Promoting equitable access to technology and financing
The Foundation highlights how women and marginalised youth—particularly in the Global
South—face limited access to digital tools, financing and mentorship, which restricts their ability
to contribute to science-led solutions. - Strengthening partnerships for inclusive innovation
Lift Africa advocates for collaboration between governments, academic institutions, the private
sector and grassroots innovators to ensure that scientific progress translates into equitable
community outcomes. - Integrating gender-responsive approaches into STI frameworks
The Foundation emphasises the importance of accountability within national and global STI
policies to ensure women’s leadership is supported, recognised and sustained.
Connecting Global Policy Dialogue to Local Realities
Drawing from its programs in Nigeria, Lift Africa Foundation provides evidence on how girls’
limited access to education, early marriage, and socio-economic inequality intersect with
technology gaps and limit participation in STEM fields.
The Foundation highlights that addressing gender inequality in science and innovation requires
strengthening:
- foundational education systems
- digital literacy for girls in rural areas
- community awareness on the value of STEM
- institutional support for women-led innovation spaces
Lift Africa Foundation’s Commitment
Through its representation at the STI Forum, Lift Africa Foundation contributes to global policy
conversations that shape the future of science and innovation governance. The Foundation
remains committed to promoting gender equity, advancing youth leadership and advocating for
development systems that create inclusive opportunities for women and girls across Africa.