5 ways to encourage girls to pursue STEM careers

Did you know that less than 50% of the science and engineering workforce in India is women? Is it encouraging to see that only 40% of women are employed in STEM careers in a country where almost half of the population is female? 

While jobs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields are becoming more prevalent, there is still inequality when it comes to the number of women in these professions. Girls should and must be encouraged to take STEM courses and go for STEM careers to help make the future workforce diverse and richer.

At Educate Girls, it is our constant endeavour to become enablers of education, by channelling the donations towards girls’ education towards helping them reach their full potential.

Why do girls need to pursue STEM?

Girls have the potential to perform as well as boys in STEM-related courses but there are so many factors that hinder their full participation. 

Encouraging girls to take STEM courses and careers would help to build a more diverse, equal and innovative society. Moreover, STEM occupations provide challenging, well-paid work, and an opportunity to make a great change in the world.

5 ways to encourage women in STEM

Indeed, pursuing a job in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) could not be more relevant in today’s world. These fields are crucial as they keep setting new trends, engaging in research to find solutions to significant problems, and even enhancing our daily existence. 

However, it is also evident that there are very few girls who enrol or take STEM-related courses compared to the number of boys. Take a look at the following suggestions, which can be effective yet easy to promote girls into STEM careers.

1. Provide positive role models

Seeing is believing. When girls notice that there are girls in STEM careers that don’t just work but excel in it, they also dare to dream of accomplishing the same. Having role models erases images of stereotyping and provides them with an example to follow.

• Guest speakers: School and community centres could facilitate female guest speakers in STEM careers.
• Mentorship programs: Provide girls with female role models from STEM fields – someone who can mentor and inspire students and offer help and tips.
• Exposure to various media: Read books, and watch movies, and TV series that showcase powerful female STEM characters.

2. Hands-on learning is very effective

Science and technology can be best taught and understood when done practically inciting a student’s passion for STEM. It is far easier to teach a child or even an adult when the ideas taught are presented in forms that can be more interesting – through activities such as drawings, models, and even games.

Methods of hands-on teaching

• STEM workshops and camps: Encourage girls to participate in workshops and camps that provide possibilities to experiment in STEM – robotics, computer science, coding games, etc. are great examples.

• School clubs: Schools can set up STEM clubs which are focused on projects, activities, exhibitions and competitions to make things interesting.

• DIY Projects at home: Simple science and technology projects can be done from home and parents should try and spend time with their daughters developing these projects.

3. Encourage curiosity and critical thinking

STEM fields thrive on curiosity and the ability to solve problems. Encouraging girls to ask questions and think critically helps them develop the skills needed for STEM careers.

• Ask open-ended questions: Make students answer why and how things exist in this world that surrounds them. This enhances problem-solving and analysis as well as considering wider possibilities.

• Problem-solving activities: Suggest girls to solve puzzles or invent different kinds of games that would help them improve their thinking abilities.

• Science and Math in Daily Life: Think about how you can integrate that particular activity into the vein of science and math.

4. Create a supportive environment

A friendly environment ensures that the girls feel encouraged to take STEM courses. It reduces prejudice, and is constructive in urging students on.

Inclusive classrooms: Teachers should aim to facilitate a class environment where all children feel comfortable sharing or contributing.

5. Highlight the benefits of STEM careers

When girls are aware of STEM, they will make informed decisions about their careers in STEM.

• Career talks: Teachers and parents should talk to girls about the advantages and prospects of STEM careers.

• Real-world applications: Explain to girls how STEM fields help to solve various challenges in people’s lives, for instance, in the development of medical facilities, environmental concerns, and technology enhancement.

• Job security and salaries: Educate girls about the scramble for STEM careers and the availability of employment!

Promote girls’ education – donate to Educate Girls!

Making girls interested in the STEM field in India needs a multifaceted approach – parents, teachers and the community must join hands in creating interest in girls in STEM careers. Join hands with Educate Girls and promote girls’ education by donating to Educate Girls, to make sure every girl child can dream and achieve a career they wish for.