How do we break down barriers to girls’ STEM education to create a more gender-equitable education system worldwide?
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Today, we see technological advances that we could only dream about 25 years ago, especially in STEM areas. Despite this progress, gender inequalities still exist which hinder the ability of girls from all backgrounds to receive equal access and achieve equal outcomes in the areas of education and training.
Sustainable Development Goal 4 aims to close this gap, particularly target 4.5, which aims to eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations.
Bristol Myers Squibb is proud to support the Lead 2030 Challenge for SDG 4. It is a company that truly believes in investing and developing the next generation of female leaders despite the discouraging statistics seen worldwide. The challenge welcomed solutions that encompass intersectionality to deepen the understanding of and ability to improve the real-life experiences of marginalized groups in STEM.
About Smart Cheli
Smart Cheli is a female lead social enterprise that aims to balance the gender gap in this field. Our program is targeted towards young girls withing the age group of 8 to 18 years. We run our program by connecting education with STEM hands-on learning experiences in coding, critical thinking, and electronics.
In this age group, girls are particularly vulnerable to turn away from STEM education. They lack proper awareness, skills, and mentorship towards STEM education. Through workshops and mentorship programs at an early age, we aim to impart the ambiance of change where girls will learn to think creatively, and logically, work collaboratively, and pursue careers in STEM.
Our aim is to enhance critical thinking, cultivate young girls' imaginations and problem-solving skills and get exposure to STEM from an early age. By the end of 2030, a lot of current jobs may be replaced by automation. We aim to prepare young girls for the upcoming technological shift by giving them the opportunity for a career in STEM.