2133. That’s the year that the World Economic Forum predicts that the gender gap between men and women will be closed. As everyone knows (some people may have found out after seeing the new Google doodle) today, the 8th of March, is International Women’s Day, a global celebration of women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements.
As part of the celebration, Microsoft is empowering young women around the world through their YouthSpark programs, asking them to #MakeWhatsNext, in an effort to provide inspiration and the tools needed to create innovations to change the world. While 2133 may be the year the gender gap finally closes, that gap is most visible in computer science and STEM fields.
DigiGirlz is one of the Microsoft YouthSpark programs that aims to empower young women by giving middle and high school girls opportunities to learn about careers in technology, connect with Microsoft employees, and participate in hands-on computer and technology workshops. But programs aren’t all that Microsoft are running, they also plan to help some outstanding young women patent their ideas.
According to Microsoft these are some ways the rest of the world can learn from theMiddle East when it comes to shrinking the gender gap and level the playing field for women in STEM:
- Engaging girls in STEM education at an early age
It is blatantly untrue that boys are more hard-wired for science and math than girls. However despite this myth having been busted many times, this prejudice still remains, and many young girls and women remain discouraged from seeking a career in STEM related fields.
Overcoming this perception can help girls develop an interest in STEM. To encourage their continuous engagement with the subjects while building up their self-confidence and self-esteem, girls should be given the same opportunity to study STEM subjects as their male classmates.
- Encourage participation in STEM workshops
The MENA region has been engaging in an increasing number of STEM workshops catered exclusively for girls, which seek to dispel the gender stereotype and equip them with tips and tricks on navigating the STEM fields.
- Connect with women in STEM
One of the first names that inevitably pops up when talking about women in STEM is Sheryl Sandberg, the Chief Operating Officer of social media giant Facebook. She is a thoroughly inspiring role model for girls and women who have a keen interest in the STEM field. The opportunity to meet a successful woman in STEM such as Sandberg can offer better insights into her day-to-day life as a STEM professional, while addressing any misconceptions of working in the industry as a woman. In the Middle East, WISTEM annual conference brings leaders like Her Excellency, Dr Raja Al Gurg, who delivered a keynote address at WISTEM 2015.
- Work with a mentor in STEM industries
Mentorship is a great catalyst for shaping and guiding career development, be it imparting career knowledge or sharing on-the-job experiences. This also applies to girls and women looking to pursue a STEM career. Having a mentor to serve as a role model can benefit their long-term career advancement in the STEM industry. Women can also gain invaluable insights that can help them overcome the gender imbalance in work environments, such as the engineering field.
Here are some women who have made leaps and bounds in the tech field:
