“STEM is FEM” unveils new project to improve Ukrainian girls’ access to education

Ukrainian educational project "STEM is FEM" is creating the country's first STEM ecosystem, which will bring together organizations, people, and ideas to promote education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Rubryka reports, referring to SPEKA.

What's the problem?

Gender stereotypes about girls' inclination toward the humanities and boys' toward STEM fields are gradually disappearing. Results of a quantitative survey among youth show that most boys and girls don't see a connection between gender and success in mastering various academic disciplines, thus leaving behind the stereotype of so-called "male rational thinking."

In the current realities of a large-scale war, Ukraine, more than ever, needs to popularize education and careers in technological fields.

What's the solution?

"STEM is FEM" is creating a network of like-minded organizations to expand access of girls to education and careers in STEM.

"We are eradicating gender stereotypes about girls and women in STEM, helping to attract talented girls to natural sciences and technical disciplines, and fostering development in STEM professions," said the STEM representatives. "Among other tasks is raising awareness about STEM as a leading approach to education in Ukraine." 

How does it work?

The ecosystem will include three communities. 

1. STEM is FEM community for girls aged 14-22 that will provide exclusive opportunities to develop their hard and soft skills, mentorship from top representatives in STEM fields, as well as business and government, career advice, and opportunities.
2. STEM is FEM Alumni Club for girls over 22 who have previously participated in project activities and want to develop their expertise, become mentors for younger participants, and build their own brand.
3. STEM is FEM Teachers' Platform for teachers teaching STEM disciplines who seek to improve their qualifications, deepen their knowledge of digitalization and soft skills, receive mentorship support, and have the opportunity to communicate directly with representatives of the government and businesses.

"During the project's activities, we managed to unite over 500 girls interested in science and technology. Now, we are creating a comprehensive ecosystem that will guide girls from school to their first job in their chosen field. And this is a new level for Ukraine," said STEM is FEM initiator Serhii Tokariev.

The project will invite Ukrainian and foreign experts and mentors willing to share their knowledge and experience with participants from all three communities. STEM is FEM will also collaborate with educational institutions, businesses, and the government.

As part of the launch, the STEM is FEM community will host three open webinars for all interested. During these events, participants will learn about the unique benefits of the closed community, the activities that will take place within it, and the format in which they will occur.

The first webinar, titled "Why is Networking Important from School Desks? It's important not only what you know but also who you know!" will take place on March 20, starting at 5:00 PM Kyiv time. The speaker for the event will be Maria Tintul, Head of Business Development at Startup Wise Guys, which has been investing in startups for ten years.

Rubryka reported that Ukrainian schools allocated seven days in January and February of this year to develop STEM skills in students. Engineering Week is a project that helps foster creativity, independence, and ingenuity in schoolchildren.

Read more in our article about how the organizers make it accessible even for the most remote schools and inclusive for students with special educational needs.