Opening Pathways for Girls in Science through innovative and inspiring educational strategies and initiatives.

 

concerted multistakeholder action in all sectors - public and private
A greater proportion of girls are currently enrolled in school than at any point in history; however, they often enjoy fewer opportunities than boys, hindering their ability to engage fully in, and benefit from, education according to their preferences. This inequality is particularly evident in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, where girls are already disadvantaged in early childhood care and education. By the time they reach higher education, women represent only 28% of engineering graduates and 40% of computer science graduates, for instance [xiv]. This gender gap in STEM education is a product of complex interactions between socialization and learning processes [xv]. Therefore, early intervention in a child’s life is essential to ensure that every boy and girl can make choices about their education and career that align with their passions. Education plays a pivotal role in making the path to a career as a scientist seem both appealing and accessible. To establish an environment of equal opportunity and quality science education, both girls and boys must receive support in developing positive self-identities with regard to their capacity to do science [xvi]. 

Recommended actions: 

Ensure that science is introduced into the curriculum from an early age, beginning in pre-school, and that teachers employ methods that engage young learners, both boys and girls, in a playful and entertaining manner to spark their curiosity and to inculcate a culture of science from an early age. Remove gender bias and stereotypes from teaching and learning materials and support training for curriculum and textbook specialists to ensure genderbalanced and gender-equitable representation in learning materials as well as the promotion of gender equality. 
Invest in rewarding excellent performance of girls in STEM subjects through provision of scholarships, awards and other incentives. 
Engage parents and primary caregivers through school-based or advocacy initiatives to counter common misconceptions about science fields as well as gendered expectations that affect girls’ identities, beliefs, behaviours and choices.
Prioritize interactive interdisciplinary and equal learning environments with hands-on experiments and activities ensuring the participation of girls, taking advantage of existing digital tools, among others, to build a strong knowledge foundation while fostering a passion for inquiry and exploration. 
Allocate resources for extracurricular STEM programmes, including clubs, after-school activities, field trips and summer immersion programmes, to extend learning beyond traditional classrooms and expose learners to women in scientific fields.
Invest in specialized teacher trainings to equip educators with the skills they need to provide quality interdisciplinary gender-responsive STEM education in an interactive and learner-friendly environment that dismantles the gender stereotypes and roles associated with distinct scientific disciplines. 
Provide gender-transformative counselling and guidance within formal and informal educational settings to expose students and their parents to myriad scientific careers and job opportunities, including through exchanges with female scientists who can act as role models and mentors. 
Encourage businesses to implement corporate social responsibility initiatives supporting women and girls in science through community outreach programmes and partnerships with educational institutions to support young women and girls pursuing careers in science fields.





Location: 7 Pl. de Fontenoy-Unesco, 75007 Paris, France

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