Breaking biases, and ethnic and traditional norms around girls in stem education, promoting men's involvement, women's advocating for other women, modest resources, and women's empowerment through stem careers is crucial to promote gender equality and providing equal opportunities for girls and women in STEM fields. There are several ways to achieve this, including promoting men's involvement, women's advocacy, and women's empowerment through STEM careers.
Firstly, promoting men's involvement in STEM education and careers can help break gender stereotypes and biases. Men can be advocates for women in STEM and help to create a more inclusive and supportive environment. Men can encourage girls to pursue STEM education and careers and serve as role models for young women interested in these fields.
Recently, I discussed the benefit of gaining the support of men as collaborators with the Founder / Executive Director of Flourishing Life International Foundation in Nigeria, West Africa, in my video podcast, InTouch Think STEAM Career Podcast. Flourishing Life International Foundation believes in inclusiveness regarding women's empowerment. According to the organization's director, empowering women in STEM education is something women do with others in a country like Nigeria. Both she and her team worked with traditional rulers like the king of her village and elders to get the men to buy in to support women's empowerment.
Secondly, women's advocacy is essential in breaking gender biases and norms. To sustain women's involvement in STEM and empowerment, she and her team encouraged community involvement and women who have succeeded in STEM to share their experiences and provide support and mentorship for other women interested in pursuing STEM careers. Women's advocacy groups can also advocate for policies that promote gender equality in STEM, such as equal pay and promotion opportunities.
As a result of the involvement of the Flourishing Life International Foundation in the community involvement and the involvement of the Kings, men, and other women involvement on issues like health and women issues relating to women's empowered ness, the king's daughter in middle school is now empowered to pursue a STEM degree and is a STEM advocate in the community. Other women in the community are also telling their friends and family members about the Flourishing Internationals programs and initiatives. According to the organization's director, they are making their project a community involvement so they can own up to the task.
Women can also be excellent role models to other women like their girls, especially in pursuing education and career opportunities in STEM fields. When girls see successful women in STEM careers, it can inspire and motivate them to pursue their interests in these subjects and believe they can achieve their goals, regardless of gender.
One of the most significant barriers to girls' participation in STEM fields is the lack of representation and visibility of women in these fields. However, I posit that when girls don't see women in STEM careers, they may believe these fields are not suitable for them, or they may face discrimination and bias from peers or educators who hold outdated gender stereotypes. By being visible and vocal about their achievements in STEM fields, women can help break down these barriers and inspire the next generation of girls to pursue their dreams. This was the case for Mrs. Nkiru, who sought a STEM degree and is now in a STEM career. I wonder how much of Mrs. Nkiru's decision to pursue a STEM career has to do with the fact that her mother went to university to pursue a STEM degree, and now they are mentoring girls to pursue STEM education.
Women can also be mentors and role models for girls interested in STEM subjects. By sharing their experiences and providing guidance and support, women can help girls overcome their challenges in pursuing STEM education and careers. Additionally, women can advocate for policies and initiatives that promote gender equity in STEM fields, such as increasing access to STEM education and career opportunities for girls and women.
Lastly, empowering women through STEM careers can give them the tools and resources they need to succeed. This can include programs that provide STEM education and training to girls and women and support and mentorship from other women in the field. Empowering women through STEM careers can help break traditional gender norms and biases and create a more inclusive and diverse STEM workforce. Flourishing Internationals were able to provide workshops and training through their symposium during Women's International Day.
And women can be powerful role models for their girls in STEM education and careers. By being visible and vocal about their achievements in these fields, serving as mentors and advocates, and promoting gender equity in STEM, women can inspire and empower the next generation of girls to pursue their interests in STEM and achieve their full potential.
In conclusion, breaking down biases and ethnic and traditional norms around girls in STEM requires a multi-faceted approach that promotes men's involvement, women's advocacy, and women's empowerment through STEM careers. By working together, collaborating with men, encouraging community involvement, and other women advocating and mentoring other women, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment that promotes gender equality and equal opportunities for all.
Raise the roof!
Authored by Dr. Ayo Olufade, Ph.D.
Think STEM Careers! You Have The Opportunity to Create The Future And The Privilege Of Deciding What’s In It! ~ Dr. Ayo Olufade, PhD
Excel in Learning. Excel in Life.
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