Closing the Gender Gap in STEM by providing spaces for girls (aged 10 to 18) to explore, work with tools, assemble circuits, do experiments, and understand what makes the world around us tick.
Women’s participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) fields is far behind in almost all countries. We believe that in India, along with gender discrimination within STEM fields, discrimination based on caste, class, religion and region is directly responsible for the gender gap in science and tech. In 2013, we conducted a study in 5 schools in Delhi to understand what was holding girls back from developing an interest in or aptitude for STEM. Our key findings were:
- Parental pressure to pursue "feminine" streams like arts/home science
- Parental pressure to drop out of school entirely and focus on household chores
- Early and Forced Marriage
- Lack of infrastructual support in school
- Discouragement from teachers
- Lack of role models in STEM
To close this gap, we developed the Girls in STEM Program, by promoting STEM education amongst girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Level 1 - Community Jugaad Labs
At our Community Jugaad Labs, girls aged 10 to 13 kindle their interest in STEM, promote non-traditional education and livelihoods for girls. Through the program, they shatter the belief that "science is for boys". The Level 1 curriculum includes:
- Hands-on projects on science and math concepts taught in Class VI, VII, and VIII
- Introductions to Women in STEM role models
- Exposure visits to museums, factories, and other places to observe STEM work and careers
- Community Exhibitions to showcase the girls' learning in front of family and community
Level 2 - Girls MakerSpace
Girls aged 14 to 18 year old girls learn to use high-level technical tools and machinery (drill machines, 3-D printers, laser cutters, etc.) to design and create their own STEM solutions for challenges within their communities, or replicate STEM solutions innovated by others. FAT organises hackathons and promote self-learning using all tools and equipment.
From 2023 onwards, our GiSTEM program will be delivered by Feminist Collectives formed by Young Women Leaders, themselves graduates of FAT's programs! You can help us continue this vital work to empower women through technology by contributing here.