Just like a small percentage of the world, UNESCO, too, has recognised the gender disparity between girls and boys in the field of STEM. To put this into perspective, only 3% of girls choose information and communication technologies (ICT) studies, which is just an example of the existing problem. UNESCO has decided to limit and eventually bridge this divide as STEM jobs are considered careers of the future and having only males dominating this section will result in severe discrimination and imbalance in society.
To encourage and empower girls to enter STEM related fields, UNESCO is:
- Introducing workshops and external help to improve the participation, achievement and continuation of girls and women in STEM education,
- Strengthening the capacity of countries through recommendation guidelines to deliver gender-responsive STEM education, including through teacher training, educational contents and pedagogy,
- trying to enhance awareness of the importance of STEM education for girls and women.
Come and join us in doing your bit in Bridging this Gap.