For two years, representatives of the initiative have held dozens of training and educational events: from webinars on photography and cybersecurity to an internationally recognized art exhibition. The founder of GenIT and initiator of the project STEM is FEM Sergey Tokarev tells details about the activities and plans of the project.
The main mission of the project STEM is FEM is to combat gender bias in the technical sphere and popularize STEM specialties (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) among Ukrainian female high school students. To achieve these goals, the project uses educational and awareness-raising activities.
According to Tokarev, the main activity of the project is to conduct educational modules dedicated to one of the technical specialties with experienced representatives of the chosen specialty as the speakers.
‘We have conducted 13 modules in two years. High school students were introduced to the IT industry, pharmaceuticals, architecture, finance, mechanical engineering, robotics, and other areas. The main feature of the project is the motivational part. We invite successful women from different spheres who inspire girls not to be afraid to follow the chosen technical career,’ says Sergey Tokarev.
Apart from that, the project conducts technical creativity contests at the end of each module. This way, the girls have created models of robots, models of ecological bicycle stations, made concepts of new metal alloys, which can help solve one of the problems of modern civilization.
‘As for me, I mostly like the idea of Maria Kalinichenko. The girl came up with the idea of creating a robot that uses artificial intelligence to help the Paralympians in their training. Now, the girl and her team are developing this idea,’ Tokarev comments.
In addition, STEM is FEM organizes dozens of other events. Among others, there are literature club litMINT, motivational workshops “How to speak well about yourself” and “How to be a volunteer”, as well as numerous meetings with representatives of international organizations. For two years, more than 1000 people took part in the events organized by STEM is FEM, mainly Ukrainian high school students, as well as young people interested in science, and everyone who wants to be enlightened in related issues.
