STEM inclusion: empowering women and girls in science

Every year, on 11 February, we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, an important date to promote gender equality in the fields of science and technology. Proclaimed by the UN, this day sets out to encourage the participation of women and girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Although progress has been made in the last decade, women continue to be under-represented in these fields, which is why this commitment is more necessary than ever.

According to UNESCO, only 28% of the workforce in science and technology are women. In fields such as engineering and ICT, the percentage is even lower: 14% and 24%, respectively. This inequality not only limits access for women to a key sector for innovation, but also hinders scientific progress worldwide. To change this situation, it is essential to encourage the inclusion of girls in STEM from the earliest stages of education.

At ProFuturo, we strive so that all girls and women have equitable access to opportunities in STEM, promoting digital and educational inclusion and reducing those gaps that still persist. We want a future in which no girl has to ask herself whether science is for her, because she has always known that it is.

To achieve this, we need to act on different fronts

Through our educational programme, we promote specific strategies to ensure that more girls and women can develop in these areas:

• Build confidence from childhood
  : Many girls grow up without seeing themselves as future scientists, engineers, or programmers. It is crucial that from a young age they hear that they are capable and that they have a place in these fields.
• Bringing them closer to science in a practical and fun way
  : Girls need opportunities to explore and experiment. Extracurricular activities, visits to science centres, and interactive experiences can spark their curiosity and vocation.
• Show them female role models
  ”If she could do it, so can I”. Seeing outstanding women in science and technology inspires girls to imagine themselves in those roles. We need more women scientists, engineers and mathematicians visible in books, media and social networks. The presence of role models is key to breaking down stereotypes.
• Eliminate bias in educational materials:
  Educational materials must reflect a world where STEM is for everyone, without gender bias. Changing this starting at school helps to get more girls interested in science without preconceptions or invisible barriers.
• Support them in the family and at school
  An inclusive educational environment begins with the awareness of those who educate the new generations. Parents and teachers have an essential role to play in promoting scientific vocations in girls, promoting an environment in which their interest in science and technology is valued and encouraged.

Empowering girls in STEM is urgent and necessary. With joint efforts, we can reduce gender gaps starting in the classroom, opening up more opportunities for innovation, talent and passion for science and technology from an early age.

It is time for girls to be what they want to be, because education provides them with knowledge: role models inspire them and reality transforms them. Because when they progress, the whole world progresses.

#EducatingTransforms 

Would you like to know more about ProFuturo’s commitment to education?

More information available at: https://profuturo.education/

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