Globally, only 30% of scientific research positions are held by women
Less than 30% of female students pursue higher education in STEM disciplines
Just 19% of ICT specialists in the EU are female
Why does this matter?
- Diversity fosters innovation and better decision-making in companies, leading to improved economic progress.
- Europe faces a shortage of ICT and STEM-related skills, emphasising the need to encourage more individuals into STEM fields.
- Economically, achieving gender equality positively impacts GDP.
- On an individual level, pursuing a STEM career equips women and girls with essential skills for an increasingly digitalized world. STEM inclusion opens doors to varied employment opportunities and transferable skills crucial for the evolving job market and daily life
what's our aim?
The primary target group of this project is girls aged 11-14. This age range is crucial because it is during these formative years that many girls begin to form perceptions about their abilities and interests.
By engaging them at this stage, the project aims to foster a genuine curiosity and passion for STEM subjects, breaking down any preconceived notions that these fields are not for them.
The project will provide them exposure to STEM role models, igniting their interest and building their confidence. Moreover, the timing aligns with a crucial educational decision point in many European countries; where students in this age group have not yet finalised their subject choices for their final exams. This provides a strategic window to encourage and guide them towards a potential STEM career path.
what you can expect from us
- Digital Stories from Women in STEM: Compelling digital stories profiling various accomplished female STEM professionals. These narratives will depict the inspiring career journeys of women in STEM, offering valuable insights on how to forge a successful path in these domains. Importantly, the stories will cover a spectrum of STEM careers, showcasing both well-known and less prominent roles to emphasise the diverse and multifaceted nature of the STEM landscape.
- School Workshops: Specialised workshops will serve the purpose of providing young girls with real-life role models, dispelling misconceptions, and reinforcing the notion that women indeed belong in the STEM realm. In addition to showcasing these empowering STEM narratives, the workshops will incorporate tailored exercises created with the guidance of professional school career counsellors. The workshop content will be made available to the public.
- Online Information Hub: This portal will serve as a hub for the dissemination of the digital stories, reaching a broader audience. The online platform will feature a digital library of informative resources about STEM careers, tailored to appeal to young girls but containing useful information for anyone interested in exploring STEM.
