Empowering Young Women in Data Science: The ENGAGE Project
In an era where data drives decision-making, the ENGAGE project, spearheaded by the University of Nairobi (UoN) in partnership with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), is on a mission to empower adolescent girls and young women in Kenya. Through targeted training in data science, with a special focus on public health applications, the project, funded by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, seeks to equip participants with skills to harness the power of health data and foster equitable health policy decisions.
Globally, data science is transforming public health by enabling better predictions of disease outbreaks, resource optimization, and precision medicine. Yet, women remain underrepresented, comprising only 22% of AI professionals worldwide. This gender imbalance introduces biases in health systems and limits the potential for women to shape their health futures. The ENGAGE project—ENabling Girls in AI and Growing Expertise in Data Science—is a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge this gap.
The need for ENGAGE is particularly acute in Kenya, where health systems are increasingly reliant on data for decision-making. However, with few women in the data science field, models used to predict health outcomes often fail to adequately reflect the needs of women and girls. Addressing this issue is not just about technology—it’s about social justice. Over its five-year course, ENGAGE will train 480 high school girls and 405 women in diploma programs, creating a pipeline of leaders in health data science.
The project housed at the University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (UNITID), under the leadership of Prof. Julius Oyugi, the Principal Investigator (PI) and Director of UNITID, who also oversees the public health component. Dr. Timothy Kamanu, the Co-PI and Head of the Division of Data Analytics and Scientific Computing Laboratory (DASCLAB) in the Department of Mathematics, leads the data science component. UCSF, represented by Dr. Koki Kinagwi, the Country Director, brings expertise in health data science, precision medicine, and computational biology.
A defining feature of ENGAGE is its commitment to reaching young women in rural areas, where opportunities for advanced training in data science are limited. By partnering with six regional universities—Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Meru University of Science and Technology, South Eastern Kenya University, Kabarak University, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, and Pwani University—the project ensures equitable access to transformative education.
In July 2024, Prof. Oyugi and the ENGAGE team delivered computers and essential equipment to these universities. This investment in infrastructure marked a pivotal moment for the institutions, paving the way for impactful training programs.
Dr. Peninah Masibo (M) from USCF presenting computers at SEKU
and received by DVC (ARI )Prof. Harrison Maithya (sitting)
In August 2024, ENGAGE launched its pilot phase, training 90 young women—45 from Tier 2 (TVET diploma programs) and 45 from Tier 3 (university undergraduates). The training sessions, held at regional hubs, featured capstone projects and internships with community health organizations. These hands-on experiences not only reinforced technical skills but also established a network of professionals committed to leveraging data for public health improvements.
who attended August 2024 training at Pwani University Caption
Over the next five years, ENGAGE aims to transform the lives of its participants and the communities they serve. By equipping young women with data science expertise, the project envisions a future where diverse teams, many led by women trained through ENGAGE, develop models and policies that drive equitable health outcomes.
As the world faces future health crises, imagine public health strategies shaped by talented women from rural Kenya, coding their way to a healthier, more equitable future. This is the promise of ENGAGE—a revolution in data science, driven by women, for everyone.
a proud trainee of the first ENGAGE Program cohort
Angela Kariuki, a beneficiary at South Eastern Kenya University and a proud trainee of the first ENGAGE Program cohort, reflecting on the transformative journey of exploring data science and machine learning in public health. She extended heartfelt gratitude to sponsors, coordinators, trainers, and fellow trainees for their unwavering support and inspiration, promising to carry forward the lessons and connections to create meaningful change in the world.
