Girls STEM Club
Supporting Girls to pursue careers in STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)
The Girls STEM Club is an initiative that create a safe place to help inspire, support, and empower girls to explore career options in STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and build a successful career through mentorship, enrichment activities, advocacy and promote the participation of girls in STEM education. It provides relevant and up-to-date information about STEM, create opportunities, and promote academic excellence.
According to UNESCO report (2017) “Cracking the Cod: Girls” about gender inequality in STEM, women and girls are still underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields globally. For example, about 35% of female STEM students are in higher education globally and less than 30% of female researchers are employed in research and development. This gender disparity continues to limit women and girls from fully participating in STEM and contributing to innovation and sustainable development.
In Sierra Leone, girls’ education has been a significant challenge, where many girls drop out of school or denied access to education. Girls who are enrolled in school are often discouraged from pursuing careers in STEM due to some of the following factors.
- Negative stereotypes about girls` intellectual abilities, that girls are less capable to do well in myths and other science subjects than boys.
- Girls and women`s enrolment in university STEM courses remains to be lower than their male counterparts.
- Lack of visibility of female STEM professionals.
- Lack of mentors and support
- Social norms and expectation
- Social-economic factors such as poverty
Intercommunity works in collaboration with public and private schools, post-secondary institutions, industry, agencies organizations, government, professionals, communities, parents, and other stakeholders to provide girls and young women with knowledge, skills, practical experience, and support that can motivate them to consider careers in STEM and trades-related fields and be resourceful despite the odds.
Activities
The STEM Girls Club offers session featuring enrichment activities, workshops, and seminars. The club explores various topics and STEM themes through fun, hands-on and interactive activities, presentations, projects, and learning about challenges and careers in STEM. The club provides students with mentorship on STEM careers. We connect girls with leaders, professionals, teachers, and students in the field of STEM, who can mentor them. We invite professionals to speak to girls and share their experiences. Participants can also participate in career tour at workplaces or industries to learn first-hand about various STEM disciplines, debunk the myths about the careers, and expand their career options.
Benefits of STEM education for Girls
Help girls build confidence and develop a strong foundation for problem solving, critical thinking, and innovation.
- Help to give girls equal opportunities to pursue and thrive in STEM careers.
- Help breaking bridge a gender gap.
- Opportunity for a wider high-paying career choices.
- preparation for future jobs.
- Enhances personal development and economic security for women.
- Ensures a diverse and talented STEM workforce,
- Contribute to development in the communities and country.