Did you know there aren’t enough of us in STEM? According to President Obama, ‘We’ve got half the population that is way underrepresented in those fields and that means that we’ve got a whole bunch of talent…not being encouraged the way they need to’. It’s improving, but still room for more awesome girls and boys.
By: Rebecca Gleeson
So what can we do to make sure that we get even more girls into STEM?
The White House has some suggestions, and we have taken a few of those and provided our spin.
Role models play a very important role in shaping future the future dreams of young girls and boys. Can you remember your hero growing up? That’s why it’s important to include female STEM professionals in the media or as characters in TV shows. One great example is on Netflix- they have created the popular show ‘Project Mc2’ following four super smart and science-skilled girls recruited to join the spy organization, NOV8. Check it out.
This means highlighting the fun and exciting real life aspects of working in STEM. We love the idea of coding camps and schools where young girls get the chance to have fun, and code. There are many free summer programs and after-school clubs for teen girls. One is Girls who Code, where the aim is to help girls explore coding in a fun and friendly environment. So far, 40,000 girls have taken part.
Sometimes STEM is considered as ‘not for everyone’. It’s important to empower our girls and make sure that they know that STEM is not determined by gender, but as a skill that is developed through practice, effort, and persistence. But most importantly, it’s fun! There are many toys and resources available for girls and boys. Here are some STEM toys that we love!
At Toya, we are making sure that our girls have inspirational and empowering role models. We are creating a brand of digital games designed to inspire and motivate young girls to realize their full potential, in STEM and beyond! Our playful and fun learning experience combines unique elements that enable girls to become the heroes while revealing the life stories of exceptional women.
Girls, let’s get the talent we need in STEM together!
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Rebecca Gleeson is a strategist at Skating Panda, a creative communications practice specializing in social impact. |
Sad to say I don’t know who all of the women are in the top illustration, but I would like to know. Who are all of them?
First line from right:
Virginia woolf, Toni Morrison, Jane Campion, Malala Yousafzai, Wangari Maathai
Second line from right:
Aung San, Marie Curie, Valentina Tereshkova, Frida Khalo, Mercedes Sosa
Thired line from right:
Artemisia Gentileschi, Maryam Mirzakhani, Abby Wambach, Coco Chanel, Rosa Parks