Many initiatives empower women and girls to pursue STEM

Cambodia: Unlocking the Digital Future Through Gaming

The UN team in Cambodia, together with UNICEF and partners, has inspired girls in Siem Reap to learn digital skills from a young age. Through the “Game Jam” video game development competition, the UN and partners are using games to teach Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) skills.

Non Sreynich, 15, a student at Aranh Raingsey School, along with three of his team mates and a number of other friends, were introduced to the world of STEAM and sustainable development priorities through coding. Non’s team won the competition with a video game that promotes environmental protection.

In Cambodia, where girls make up just 39% of students interested in science, the initiative offers hands-on experience with tools like Construct 3, a game-making software, while also providing digital skills training for teachers.

The initiative has contributed to building technical expertise and nurturing confidence, leadership, and encouraging girls to pursue technology.

Kosovo: STEM Scholarships

Desara Qerimi, 21, a student of Computer and Software Engineering at the University of Prishtina, is one of more than 4,500 women and girls who have received a STEM scholarship. The scholarship program is implemented by the Kosovo Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, demonstrating its commitment to the UN-led “Generation Equality” campaign.

“The scholarship played a vital role in my studies. It was an essential source of financial support, allowing me to explore my field further beyond the university,” Desara said. In the 2023-2024 academic year, the government has allocated 3 million euros for more than 1,500 scholarships.

In addition, the UN is working with partners to organize empowerment activities to help women and girls overcome stereotypes and become pioneers in the digital revolution. One of these activities is the "STEMinists" conference, an event organized by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) in Kosovo.

South Africa: Shaping the tech industry through community initiatives

In South Africa, the African Girls Can Code Initiative is opening up new career opportunities for young women in the technology sector. Victoria Phago, a second-year Information and Communications Technology student, had a turning point when she joined the program.

Implemented by UN Women South Africa, the Department of Higher Education and Training, the Department of Science and Innovation, and supported by Siemens and the Belgian Government, the programme exposes students to a range of IT disciplines, including computer science, web development, mobile app development, robotics and programming.

In addition to equipping young women with relevant professional skills, the program also helps broaden their career horizons, motivates them to overcome personal challenges and boosts their self-confidence.

Saudi Arabia: Boosting Women's Careers Through Internship Program

In Saudi Arabia, the UN team is promoting initiatives to increase women’s employability and leadership in STEM. One such effort is a public-private partnership between the UN Women Regional Office for the Arab States and Nokia, which is opening up new opportunities for young women.

Nokia’s internship program provides university students with hands-on training and mentorship from industry experts. The eight-week program equips them with the skills and expertise needed to succeed in the digital economy.

“This program has shown that women are capable of meeting the demands of every profession, thereby creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment,” said intern Raghad Alskyhan.

Source: UNSDG

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/nhieu-sang-kien-trao-quyen-cho-phu-nu-va-tre-em-gai-theo-duoi-stem-20250325095449451.htm