By Zuha Ajlan
Zuha Ajlan, known as “Mama Dragon”, is a neuroscientist, STEM and gender equality champion and founder of Shadow A Scientist.
This initiative has empowered over 1,500 young people in three African countries through mentorship and research exposure.
Zuha says: “There are a few promising initiatives that [have] come to light in recent years! The Department of Science and Innovation has launched a National Youth Service Programme that places unemployed STEM graduates in labs and institutions to gain experience.
“There is also my nonprofit company – Shadow A Scientist – which started off as [a] student-led initiative [and] is now a registered organisation that has a network of 50+ volunteers, reaching over 2,000 students across three countries in 35 fields of STEM. We empower young women through training, shadowing, research and mentorship.”
