The University of Namibia (UNAM) is developing an artificial intelligence curriculum for Africa.

Pro-Vice Chancellor at the institution, Professor Anicia Peters, says UNAM will collaborate with Africa-based Google and Microsoft.

"This curriculum came about because we said if Africans and women want to be part of the creators of AI and we want to diminish the gender biases, the racial biases, and the stereotypes against Africans, then we have to get on that wagon and we have to start educating our learners and students just like you."

Professor Peters was speaking at a Women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Roundtable in Windhoek.

"A growing number of studies show that gender balance helps enhance the scientific quality and social relevance of research. Engineers design many of the things we use every day. What happens if women are not fully involved? Then obviously, the needs and desires that are unique to women may be overlooked," said Dr. Theopoline Amushendje, a molecular geologist.

Some of the experts also shared advice on how to get rid of the "male-dominated field" perceptions, saying phrases like that are likely to hold women back.

According to Anna Nguno, a geologist at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, "It started at the university. Some professors there didn't trust or have confidence in women doing geology, but then the women who were there, including me, were just like, 'Yeah, we will show you, we can do it.' In geology, sometimes we even did better than our male counterparts. So we just said, 'We are here, we want to learn, and that's what we're going to do'." 

"Put away that, it's a male-dominated field perception that you have and challenge yourself personally. Can you do it? What does it take to do it?" added Rachel Amoomo, a civil engineer with the Roads Authority.

The roundtable was attended by various female students from universities in Windhoek and was held under the theme "The Future of Science is Female."