Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education can lead to great careers for both men and women. Men are by default following these careers. Women, on the other hand, are not so likely to follow these careers. Partly because they are not well informed of the kinds of careers they can have and partly because they are not encouraged to follow these kinds of careers. The Institute of Entrepreneurship Development is aiming to change all of that by implementing a new EU project under the ERASMUS+ framework by the name of E-STEAM.
The objectives of the project are to:
- Establish synergies among schools and the labor market towards creative and meaningful engagement of girls in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) education through a mentoring programme
- Develop a virtual platform as a resource hub for practical and innovative learning solutions complementing schools curricula
- Exploit and disseminate personalized activities by promoting the use of the platform
There are many different reasons as to why programmes like this are being implemented, should be implemented and are a priority for the European Union. Although massive steps are been taken towards gender equality, there are stills huge gaps that are keeping things from moving forward, especially in the scientific sector. Women are not encouraged to be an active stakeholder for science and that needs to change. Throughout the years, women have proven to be equal to men by making discoveries and being truly innovative when it comes to the evolution that needs to happen.
It is not an accident that some of the worlds most well-known scientists are women. Marie Currie has inspired many of the scientists of this generation. Institutes and foundations have been named after her. And she is not the only that made a difference. Experimental physicist Chien-Shiung Wu made a significant contribution in the field of nuclear science and let’s not forget about Rosalind Franklin the English chemist and X-ray crystallographer who made a truly significant contribution to the understanding of the molecular structures of DNA, RNA, coal, graphite, and viruses.
These women scientists and many others in other sections as well have proven that it is possible for women all around the world to make changes and chase a truly magnificent career in the field that they are interested in. STEAM education is the first step toward helping women understand their true potential and give them the opportunity to find out what kind of a career they could have.
The Institute of Entrepreneurship Development, as an expert in the field of entrepreneurship, can be the pillar that will help women use all that knowledge and perhaps chase after a dream towards entrepreneurship.
Stereotypes are an obstacle that can keep innovation from happening. Keeping women back due to lack of education and not just their own. Many teachers in schools do not have the knowledge needed in order to be able to teach young girls about science and what they can do to be an active part of the scientific and technological world. It starts with the teacher and ends with the students becoming true scientists. E-STEAM is the perfect chance for women and young girls to believe in themselves and their potential. The perfect chance to become the next scientists that will make a difference.
