Women and Girls in STEM Forum 2024- key takeaways
On October 10, 2024, representatives from our partners at GEYC participated online in the Women and Girls in STEAM Forum 2024, one of the most influential events in Europe aimed at advancing gender equality in STEAM education. Organized by the EIT Community in collaboration with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the European Commission (DG-EAC), the event brought together experts in education, technology, and policy to discuss innovative approaches to attract young women into science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) fields.
The Importance of Institutional Support
The forum opened with a keynote address by Pia Ahrenkilde Hansen, Director-General for Education, Youth, Sport, and Culture at the European Commission, who emphasized the critical role of institutional support in breaking down gender barriers in STEAM education. She highlighted the need for collaborative efforts across institutions to create a more inclusive environment for young women and girls in STEAM disciplines.
Overcoming Barriers in AI and STEAM
In the panel discussion titled “Overcoming Barriers: Addressing Bias in AI and STEAM,” moderated by Caitlin Kraft Buchman, experts such as Helga Sasdi and Orsolya Vasarhelyi explored the challenges posed by gender bias in artificial intelligence and STEAM fields. The discussion focused on developing strategies to address these biases and create equal opportunities for all. This conversation is highly relevant to the SENSE project’s mission of promoting gender equality and diversity in STEAM education for young people and teachers in Romania. By challenging biases, the SENSE project aims to empower girls and women to pursue careers in science and technology.
Innovating for Inclusion: AI and Gender Equality
The session Innovating for Inclusion featured speakers like Veronica Stefan, a human rights and AI consultant, and Ishita Barua, a digital health researcher, who examined the potential of AI and digital technologies to reduce inequalities in education and healthcare. They discussed innovative approaches to ensuring that women and girls have equal access to educational resources and opportunities in STEAM fields. These discussions align with the goals of the SENSE project, which leverages AI and innovative teaching methods to improve access to STEAM education in Romania, particularly for marginalized groups.
Girls Go Circular Student Challenge
The forum concluded with the Girls Go Circular Student Challenge, where young innovators from across Europe presented creative solutions aimed at reducing gender inequality through technology. Their projects reflect the values of the SENSE project, which aims to equip young people with the skills and knowledge to become leaders in STEAM fields and advocates for gender equality in their communities. By offering platforms for innovation and leadership, the SENSE project is helping to inspire a new generation of young women in Romania to pursue careers in STEAM.
Relevance to the SENSE Project
GEYC’s participation in the Women and Girls in STEAM Forum 2024 is highly relevant to the objectives of the SENSE project. The event’s focus on gender equality, AI, and innovation echoes the project’s mission to foster inclusive STEAM education in Romania. By participating in this forum, GEYC reaffirms its commitment to supporting young people, particularly girls and women, in using technology to build a more equitable future.