Women are still underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), despite the fact that these fields are growing exponentially. The Singapore Committee for UN Women is implementing a programme to encourage more girls in Singapore to take up careers in STEM, especially those who are at risk or from low income families. Through day camps tailored by our curriculum developer Destination Imagination, we hope to engage the next generation of pioneers and innovators.
Although there is not a large difference between the number of men and women employed in the general workforce in Singapore, the ratio of female to male researchers in STEM is 7 to 20. Anecdotal research has shown that many students, especially those from underserved communities, are unaware of opportunities in STEM fields due to a lack of female role models and gender stereotyping and are therefore not inclined to pursue careers in these fields.
The Singapore Committee for UN Women is implementing a programme to encourage more girls to take up careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). This programme targets low income and at risk girls in Singapore. By exposing students to projects that engage them critically and creatively, this programme aims to encourage students to discover alternative career choices within these largely male dominated fields.
This project will target 3000 students, specifically low-income and at risk girls, in Singapore annually. It will consist of fun interactive day camps that will introduce students to basic challenges involving different STEM related careers to engage their interest. Students who wish to pursue the STEM programme further will then have a chance to interact with amazing women working in STEM who will serve as mentors in their particular fields and will organize hands on field trips for girls.
