Inspiring Stories
Today, more than ever, we need women at the forefront of STEM fields. Their unique perspectives and contributions are absolutely crucial for tackling the complex global challenges we face, from climate change and sustainable development to breakthroughs in medicine and technology. STEM fields offer incredible opportunities for innovation and impact, yet women remain underrepresented, hindering progress and limiting our collective potential.
This isn’t just a loss for women who are missing out on fulfilling and impactful careers; it’s a loss for society as a whole. We need diverse voices driving discovery and creating a more equitable future.
If you’re a young woman considering a future in STEM, wondering if you can truly make a difference, or a current STEM professional seeking a spark of inspiration and a reminder of your purpose, the stories below will reignite your passion and demonstrate the immense power and potential you hold to shape the world. These women aren’t just working in STEM; they’re changing lives, developing groundbreaking technologies, and creating a better future for us all.
These stories will reignite your spark
Your unique ideas, creativity and perspective are essential to meet today’s challenges. Be persistent, curious, and creative. The STEAM world is waiting for your input!
If you insist and persist, a thousand other opportunities will open up beyond what you could have imagined.
Show the world that women can be renowned researchers. Research is cool!
Follow your passion and embrace challenges – you belong in this field just as much as anyone else!
Good Practices
Implemented by Junior Achievement Serbia, Girls Go Circular makes a crucial impact by supporting schoolgirls and all students in the development of essential digital and leadership skills, all while providing comprehensive education on the principles of the circular economy and encouraging them to devise solutions for a more sustainable future. Through a dynamic learning-by-doing approach that incorporates online research, entrepreneurial role-plays, and challenge-based exercises, the program effectively combines education, technology, and sustainability. Ultimately, Girls Go Circular empowers students to actively participate in and shape a greener and more innovative world.
𝗘𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗮, 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮’𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲 actively promotes genderequality in STEM across all activities, boosting girls’ and women’s participation and contribution to STEM. Esplora makes a significant difference by actively working to ensure female representation at career fairs and STEM events, thereby increasing visibility and opportunity for women in these fields. Furthermore, through the National STEM Awards, Esplora spotlights local female role models, providing inspiring figures for young girls and women to look up to. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to combating stereotypes surrounding women in STEM, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
Ženský algoritmus / Female Algorithm, “Back in business: an online academy for your successful return to work after maternity leave” directly addresses the critical need for workplace support for women in STEM returning from parental leave. Offered both openly and within specific tech companies, the program provides targeted training for women currently on or within a year of finishing parental leave. Through open communication, networking, and skill-building, participants gain valuable insights, recommendations, and practical support, leading to a smoother and more empowering return to their careers. This initiative highlights how direct support during career relaunch is vital for creating more inclusive and supportive workplaces.
Temenos is taking concrete steps to advance gender equality within the IT sector by actively empowering women throughout their professional journeys. Through targeted programs such as “Women Emerging Leaders” and “Senior Leadership Development,” the company is proactively identifying and supporting promising female leaders, focusing on the development of their skills, confidence, and overall impact in leadership positions. By demonstrating this institutional-level commitment to gender equality, Temenos is proving that investing in women’s success not only fosters real change within their organisation but also contributes to the overall thriving of the technology industry.
Implemented in 2023 with the support of the Belgian Federal Public Service of Economy and B12 Consulting, STEM4Her directly aimed to empower female secondary school students to make informed decisions and achieve success in higher education STEM fields. The initiative began with a broad awareness campaign in schools and two significant events engaging over 70 female students. Following this, STEM4Her focused on a dedicated group of participants committed to STEM, offering tailored support in their specific areas of interest. By providing tangible resources, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to STEM careers, STEM4Her has directly equipped young women with the tools and confidence needed to pursue their STEM ambitions.