Sergey Tokarev: In September, STEM is FEM to introduce Ukrainian schoolgirls to metallurgy

STEM is FEM has chosen the metallurgical industry as the topic of its 12th free educational module for Ukrainian schoolgirls. The initiator of the project and the founder of GenIT Sergey Tokarev told us about this event.

“The mining and metallurgical complex is one of the strategic sectors of the Ukrainian economy. It provides about 15% of sold industrial goods in total, more than $10 billion in export earnings, and about 200,000 jobs. However, every year, the situation gets worse: the production pace is falling, no updates for the technologies, the staff is reduced. One of the factors that create stagnation in this area is a significant gender imbalance in the industry,” the businessman said.

The module participants will learn about the metallurgical industry and get practical tips on how to make a career in it. The module program includes lectures and workshops from leading female representatives of the metallurgical industry, motivational meetings with successful women, and an industry-related technical competition.

“Metallurgy is an industry in which gender stereotypes are the strongest. A few years ago, there was a decree in the country prohibiting women from working in this industry. Now, it has been canceled, but the imbalance in the area is catastrophic. However, we are not afraid of this challenge. On the contrary, we are optimistically looking forward to seeing victory over the prejudices,” notes the initiator of STEM is FEM, Sergey Tokarev.

The module will take place on September 11-12 in Zaporizhzhia, the capital of Ukrainian metallurgy.