The percentage of female researchers in Namibia has increased from 39% in 2014 to 50% in 2022.

The Research Services Center Director at UNAM says the findings are an indication that national programs targeting girls are creating a positive impact in society.

Preliminary findings in the 2022 National Research and Experimental Development Report show that the number of researchers in Namibia has increased.

There were about 750 in 2014, compared to over 2,500 researchers in 2022. 

Females make up half of that number in 2022, as opposed to 39% eight years ago. 

"You see more ladies graduating, but what's concerning is the unbalanced structure we're seeing, and we'd like to see how we can motivate the boy child so that we can have that balance because it might also have some impact, a negative impact," said Erongo Regional Governor Neville Andre.

"There have been introductions of programs that are targeting the girl child, and perhaps that is the outcome that is coming out of the research. But we are sensitized as a country to fill the gap that is widening in society between the girl and the boy child. So we need to do something, and it's our responsibility as institutions of higher learning and also those involved in research and program development to be sensitized on this," explained Prof. Nelago Indongo from UNAM's Center for Research Services.

"It is our concern as the higher education ministry that the boy child has become very, very shy now to apply for a position; the graduation rate speaks volumes seeing the engineering graduation rate; the boy child is falling behind, compared to the 1990s," Dr. Lisho Mundia from the Higher Education Ministry said.

Others recommended that subjects that focus on research and experimental development be taught at the primary school level to attract boys at a young age.