Innocentia Mahlangu launches inspiring children’s STEM-themed book

Science and equal opportunities for women are key to the world’s success. Despite recent progress, women and girls remain underrepresented in STEM fields: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February celebrates women in these industries and helps address this gender gap.

This year’s theme, “From Vision to Impact: Redefining STEM by Closing the Gender Gap”, shifts the focus from identifying problems to implementing solutions, highlighting the need to move beyond simply envisioning a better future to taking concrete actions that have a measurable impact.

In keeping with this, acclaimed South African civil engineer and author Innocentia Mahlangu has announced the launch of her inspiring new children’s book, Lesedi and Ayama’s Engineering Adventure. This vibrant tale introduces young readers to the wonders of engineering through the eyes of two curious girls, 9-year-old Lesedi and 12-year-old Ayama – perfectly aligning with global efforts to ignite passion for STEM among the next generation.

The book follows protagonists Lesedi and Ayama as they embark on exciting problem-solving quests, building bridges, designing sustainable structures and exploring real-world engineering challenges. Through playful storytelling and vivid illustrations, the book demystifies the STEM fields for girls aged 6–10, showing how creativity, curiosity and resilience turn big dreams into reality.

This simple tale encourages children to explore different careers in STEM, learn how engineers make a difference, and discover how anyone, no matter who they are, can become a change-maker.

Mahlangu crafted this story to counter the underrepresentation of women in engineering, fostering early confidence in technical skills and innovation.

Critical role of early STEM education

In South Africa and beyond, only about 30% of STEM students are female, yet women engineers like Mahlangu drive transformative projects in infrastructure and mining. Early exposure through books like this combats stereotypes, boosts enrolment in science programmes and addresses skill shortages in key industries.

As Unesco champions International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Mahlangu’s launch underscores the urgency: Empowering girls in STEM today builds equitable, sustainable futures tomorrow.

“Lesedi and Ayama’s Engineering Adventure” is available for order here.