1.3 Inspire, motivate, and encourage young girls to study science, technology, and mathematics (STEM) subjects and to strive for a career in STEM industries
Content
Description of Best Practices
Encourage young girls of different ages to consider STEM subjects and career paths by exposing them to technical jobs and routines, overcoming stereotypes through playful activities that may include targeted outreach activities, communication efforts, campaigns, and presentations such as:
- Send both female and male managers to kindergartens, primary/ secondary schools, and universities, led by strong female role models, to spark young girls’ interest in STEM subjects and professions
- Campaigns and events to expose girls to technical subjects using practical and fun engagement methods such as quizzes and gamification approaches
- Company activities at International Girls Day or Bring-your-Daughter-to-work day (see below)
- Feature female role models in external communications
- Organize science/ summer camps for girls, encouraging skills that underlie STEM studies, such as curiosity, problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration
Send both female and male employees who are strong role models to represent the company at events
Provide mentoring for girls by male and female staff
Challenges of Implementation
Identification of suitable partners and related stakeholder management requires time
Can be difficult to identify female role models and male champions who are skilled in effective communication with children
Staff may face time constraints to dedicate time and be involved in activities
Lack of creative ideas for suitable activities in the local context
Safety concerns and regulations at company facilities may be a barrier that needs to be overcome
What Success Looks Like
Contributions made to increase the talent pipeline of women with STEM degrees entering the labor market, who serve as role models for other women and hence create a virtuous cycle that helps more girls enter the field
Increased number of girls pursuing technical or STEM studies and careers filling up the talent pipeline
Increased applications for open positions from female candidates
Reduced stereotypes and harmful beliefs held by girls that technical jobs are only suitable for men
Resources and Tools
Training Resource/Tool: From Playdough to Plato - 40 STEM Activities for Kids (Playdough to Plato)
Case Study: In North Macedonia, the future is female: How a power utility is opening doors for girls and women (USAID)
Case Study: Eko Electricity Distribution Nigeria (International Center for Research on Women, ICRW)
Example: STEM Outreach: How Are We Changing the Conversation? (All Together)
Article: How To Get Young Girls Excited about a Career in STEM (Forbes)
Report/Study: The Equality Equation: Advancing the Participation of Women and Girls in STEM (World Bank Group)