Empowering girls in STEM A Masterclass for Women & Girls in Science Day

• On February 11th, International Day of Women and Girls in Science is going to be celebrated.
• Experts and participants will be gathering to discuss the importance of encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers.

On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11th, UNESCO gathered experts and participants for an event to highlight the importance of encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers. The event focused on the crucial role of educators in overcoming gender stereotypes. Despite significant progress, girls remain underrepresented in critical STEM fields needed to tackle 21st-century challenges.

Justine Sass, Chief of Education for Inclusion and Gender Equality at UNESCO, highlighted the vital role of STEM in today’s world. She emphasized how these fields not only offer career opportunities but also develop key skills needed to address challenges like health crises, AI, and the energy transition.

“Parental involvement is key to encouraging girls to pursue a career in science. We need to make them aware of the opportunities and deconstruct preconceived ideas.” Says Justine

Young girls' access to STEM careers is influenced by family, school, and social norms. Schools must inform families about opportunities and create support systems to challenge misconceptions.

Loukaïya Zorobouragui, a PhD in agricultural sciences and L'Oréal-UNESCO 2024 Young Talent Award winner, discussed how gender stereotypes in textbooks, STEM imagery, and classroom dynamics often discourage girls from pursuing science.

“Encouragement and representation count: when girls see themselves in successful role models, they are more likely to project themselves into these careers”. Says Loukaïya

Geritte Laurina Bakala, a teacher at Lycée NGANGA EDOUARD in Brazzaville, stressed the need to listen to young girls, challenge stereotypes, and provide the right resources for their scientific journey. She highlighted the importance of media literacy and raising awareness among families to inspire girls and break limiting beliefs.

“Girls should not be reduced to their grades, but their efforts and progress should be valued. Better guidance and awareness are essential to open the doors of science to them”. Says Geritte

This master class shared strategies to encourage girls in STEM, with support from the ENGIE Foundation and 6C Conseil. UNESCO is committed to equal STEM access for all girls.