“Gender Equality in STEM” – Summer school at the Technical University of Moldova

Women’s participation in STEM should be strengthened, by smashing stereotypes, defying gender biases and defeating discrimination that hold women and girls back in STEM fields. Representation and retention of women are essential for the science and digital technology sectors to be more creative, innovative, and profitable.

To dismantle gender stereotypes and to encourage girls to pursue their studies and build their carriers in STEM, a summer school exploring the topics of gender equality and STEM was organized by UN Women in collaboration with the Technical University of Moldova from June 17 to 28.

The summer school was dedicated to high school students, aged 15 to 19, and aimed at inspiring and encouraging girls to pursue a career in engineering, as well as promoting the importance of gender equality in STEM fields.

"Girls are often wrongly led to believe that they are not capable enough for STEM or that boys and men have a natural affinity for this field. But the world needs science, and science needs women and girls. In order to achieve the goal of equal opportunities in STEM, notions such as gender, gender roles, gender equality, must be analyzed and explained to both girls and boys from an early age. It is essential to understand and then eliminate gender inequality through education and raising awareness activities. This was the aim of the "Gender Equality in STEM" summer camp, by creating an environment conducive to the involvement of as many girls and women as possible in this field.” mentioned Tatiana Dormenco, Programme Officer UN Women Moldova.

The summer camp offered to its 50 participants a comprehensive experience, thanks to the theoretical and practical program, as well as through networking activities and visits to companies such as Moldcell, StarNet, Gilat Satellite Networks as well as the Moldovan Association of ICT companies (ATIC) and the Astronomic Observatory of the Technical University of Moldova.

"The intellectual and cultural potential I saw in the young people who attended the Summer Camp gives us real reasons for optimism. These wonderful young people represent the bright future of our country with innovative ideas and a genuine passion for knowledge. Looking at their achievements, we can only be confident about tomorrow.” said Lilia Sava, Dean of the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications, the Technical University of Moldova.

The activities were structured into several modules. Students attended workshops aimed at familiarizing young people with the concept of gender equality and its importance in the field of electronics and telecommunications. They have also designed and built electronic devices, such as remotely controlled lights, simple robots, or environmental sensors. A workshop on emergent technologies, exploring their potential and applications in everyday life and various industries was also organised.

"I was left with only positive impressions after this camp. I especially liked the practical workshops, I learned how to cut a cable, how to arrange wires, how electric motor circuits function. I learned a lot of interesting information during the company visits. The camp changed my perspective on STEM fields, sparking my interest in these fields.” mentioned Alexandra Volontir, a participant in the camp.

The summer school was carried out within the framework of the project "EVOLVE4GE – Accelerating Gender Equality by Empowering Women through Economic Opportunities, Combating Violence, and Gender-Sensitive Governance," funded by the European Union and implemented by UN Women Moldova.