The STREAM IT project is dedicated to tackling gender inequality in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. At its heart lies an ambitious aim: to make STEAM education more inclusive, engaging, and empowering for women and girls across Europe. 

One of the project’s most exciting outcomes is the launch of the Virtual Makerspace (VM), developed and coordinated by ReadLab Brussels. This online hub brings together educators, researchers, and stakeholders who share a commitment to reimagining how STEAM is taught, learned, and applied.

The Virtual Makerspace is an open-access digital platform designed not just as a repository of resources, but as a living, collaborative environment. It is built around three core ideas: sharing, connecting, and inspiring.

• Sharing knowledge and tools: The platform hosts a rich library of teaching resources and materials, all curated with a strong focus on gender inclusivity and diversity. Educators can also contribute their own materials, making it a constantly growing collection.
• Connecting across borders: With features like National Inspiration Hubs for each partner country and an interactive map of initiatives supporting girls in STEAM, the platform creates visibility for local actions while connecting them to a wider European effort.
• Inspiring through collaboration: Webinars, forums, and events provide spaces for dialogue, peer learning, and collective problem-solving. These interactions help educators and institutions strengthen their practices while contributing to the broader aims of STREAM IT.

The Virtual Makerspace embodies STREAM IT’s mission: to break down barriers and stereotypes that hold women and girls back from entering and thriving in STEAM fields. By fostering collaboration between universities, schools, civil society, and industry, the platform helps ensure that gender inclusivity is not an afterthought but a cornerstone of educational innovation.

Its design goes beyond technical functionality. From accessible layouts and multilingual options to privacy-conscious forums and interactive national hubs, the platform was built with usability and inclusivity at its core.

As the STREAM IT project progresses, the Virtual Makerspace stands as both a tool and a symbol of what collaborative, gender-sensitive digital spaces can achieve. It offers a replicable model for inclusive STEAM education, one that highlights the power of transnational collaboration in creating real change. 

By bringing together diverse voices and ensuring visibility for women and girls in STEAM, the Virtual Makerspace is more than just a platform: it is a step towards a more equal and innovative Europe.

ReadLab Brussels 

Monika-Daniela Cosma is a development professional with a background in International Relations, European Studies, and inclusive education. Currently managing projects at ReadLab Brussels, she brings experience from the European Commission, national ministries, and EU-funded initiatives addressing social inclusion, human rights, and education. Passionate about connecting policy with lived realities, Monika specialises in designing collaborative projects that empower underrepresented groups. Within STREAM IT, she applies this expertise to advance gender-sensitive approaches in STEAM education, supporting the Virtual Makerspace as a tool for knowledge-sharing, visibility, and cross-border collaboration.