Women and the World of Science: Challenges and Prospects in Post-Colonial Lesotho Post-secondary Education

In the post-colonial era, the presence of women in the scientific world has been felt. Women made strides to enter the field that was dominated by men; namely the world of science. Despite numerous challenges faced by women scientists, they are persisting in shaping the world of science while also continuing to attribute the new image that was never anticipated in this field. They grafted a new image for themselves in science-related fields in post-colonial Southern Africa as more women practitioners emerged in various science domains. Their presence created an impetus that was never felt before as some began to practise as science teachers, medical practitioners, engineers and across other scientific fields. The brave move did not only change the narrative of women in this domain, but it also highlighted challenges and prospects of women scientists. This chapter focuses on women and the world of science in Southern Africa, with specific reference to Lesotho as the country presents a case of interest for investigating how women scientists created a new story that has been shaped by them. Some women challenged the status quo by recreating their space through breaking the barriers imposed by pre-colonial and colonial societies; they called for the reimagining of their place because they broke the barriers by entering those fields which were exclusively regarded as the male domain. The objective of this chapter is to explore how women claimed their space in the scientific world in Lesotho. Challenges and prospects of women in science in the post-colonial era are scrutinised. Historical analyses of strides of women scientists in Lesotho and their stories are examined through the narrative inquiry in order to inform their role and contribution in reimaging and reimagining their place in the world of science. Results reveal challenges in the academic enrolment in science at the institution of higher learning and lack of mentorship. Women introduced major shifts of exploring science innovatively through entrepreneurship.