So often, we hear about the need or want for more women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Colleges call for more women to take STEM subjects in third-level education. Industry tells us we need to increase the number of women in STEM. Women go into schools encouraging girls to consider STEM careers.
For most of my working life, I have advocated for girls and women to consider STEM careers and, in particular, careers in computing, because I think it is really important. I do this with Lero, the University of Limerick, Women in Technology and Science (WITS), and through the Johnson & Johnson Women in STEM D (STEM with Manufacturing and Design) project in Lero/UL.
But, do people know the reasons why there is such interest in promoting STEM to girls? Do people understand why this is important? Or, is this just another ‘equality’ fad?
Reason 1: The Individual
There are many girls and women who are talented in STEM disciplines. They have developed skills throughout their lives, within their homes and their schools. They may have enjoyed STEM with their peers, created volcano experiments on their front lawns, attended CoderDojo on Saturday mornings, or participated in events such as the Irish Computer Society-Lero SCRATCH programming competition.
Continue reading: https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-40766418.html
For most of my working life, I have advocated for girls and women to consider STEM careers and, in particular, careers in computing, because I think it is really important. I do this with Lero, the University of Limerick, Women in Technology and Science (WITS), and through the Johnson & Johnson Women in STEM D (STEM with Manufacturing and Design) project in Lero/UL.
But, do people know the reasons why there is such interest in promoting STEM to girls? Do people understand why this is important? Or, is this just another ‘equality’ fad?
Reason 1: The Individual
There are many girls and women who are talented in STEM disciplines. They have developed skills throughout their lives, within their homes and their schools. They may have enjoyed STEM with their peers, created volcano experiments on their front lawns, attended CoderDojo on Saturday mornings, or participated in events such as the Irish Computer Society-Lero SCRATCH programming competition.
Continue reading: https://www.irishexaminer.com/opinion/commentanalysis/arid-40766418.html
