Importance of inserting girls in STEM environments at school

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As a girl, have you ever encountered difficulties, obstacles, and disbelief in your potential within the STEM field? Most girls in school-age experience have this problem. The majority of robotics clubs, advanced science clubs, and scientific integration projects are predominantly led by men. Sexism within the scientific community is a necessary topic that has already been addressed in social movements and initiatives such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), where gender equality is a decisive factor for global progress. Education is also classified as an SDG by the Official Agenda for 2030. 

With that said, moving away from the theory behind the sexist structure within the scientific field, there are some dynamics and integrations that can contribute to the educational advancement of girls. It is crucial to integrate such initiatives in school environments to facilitate and shape students' development. All STEM fields require specific skills and capacities that can positively contribute to logical reasoning, academic future, self-defense, argumentation, and public speaking. 

Therefore, it is essential to provide accessibility for girls in these environments, as well as representation and support. In a space led by men with predominantly male members, a girl may feel insecure and unmotivated to engage in such a field, even if she has an interest. Thus, it is important to highlight the skills required in each STEM discipline and why they can contribute to girls' education and development: 

S (Science): Science is the field that seeks to study the social, material, and the correlation between existence and the universe, making it the most comprehensive, complete, and complex area of knowledge today. The study of science develops innovative problem-solving skills for global development, critical thinking abilities to demystify societal ideals, the capacity to identify fake news and avoid denialism, which are necessary to prevent abuse, malicious intentions, and recognize ethical boundaries (what is and what is not permissible?). It also promotes self-awareness (how does my body function?) and prevents embarrassment, humiliation, and abuse by family, religion, and culture through negationist practices such as "cures" or alternative therapies. Science also contributes to accurate knowledge about health and education, which helps mitigate issues like menstrual poverty and child abuse. 

Providing discussions, knowledge, and access to science in school environments can reduce the number of women who become victims in violent and precarious settings, while also shedding light on women's rights. We can integrate this aspect of STEM through dynamic debate sessions in schools, scientific initiation programs to foster critical thinking, and even science clubs specifically for women and girls. 

T (Technology): Technology is one of the most widely used tools today, with a global impact on all aspects necessary for a good quality of life (education, health, art, culture). Technology can foster problem-solving skills, improve writing and communication through access and guidance (according to data from the Happy Code School), enhance performance in STEM subjects (according to data from FIA Business School), and develop logical and fast reasoning, among other diverse areas. Although the technology field is predominantly male in terms of professional roles, we have inspiring women in the field, such as Ada Lovelace, who created the first algorithm in 1843 (before the invention of computers!). The field needs more representation, despite being founded by a woman! Technology can be an ally for women, and it can work in collaboration with science for gender equality. 

It is necessary to implement technological movements in girls' education. Among these, digital education stands out to help them navigate technology and the virtual world, ensuring their safety and preventing virtual abuse and discrimination. It is important to protect our girls both within and outside educational communities. The idea of a robotics club with an all-female team is inspiring, along with encouraging competitions and Olympiads. Programming is also a promising area to explore, with the promotion of coding camps, free courses, and app development competitions. 

E (Engineering): Engineering is an area that is often overlooked. In a personal experience, I mention a woman in my personal circle who was the only female engineering student in her class. Currently, her company has 100 male employees and only 6 women. These are alarming and concerning statistics. Women are often underestimated in the field of exact sciences and calculations. The common belief that women don't understand mathematics is a myth perpetuated by a structurally sexist society. 

To reverse this problem and encourage girls in this field, it is crucial to focus on math and calculus education, especially in high school. Math clubs, interactive tasks, practical projects, competitions, science fairs, and practical study can all contribute to motivating young girls and sparking their interest in this field. 

M (Mathematics): Mathematics is the study of numbers and patterns, going far beyond mere calculations. An interesting aspect of mathematics is the theory behind it. Teaching mathematics to girls is necessary as it is categorized as a fundamental part of basic education, which unfortunately many girls do not have access to. Educating girls in mathematics is educating them against the system of gender inequality. It is important to focus on some subtopics of mathematics: logic (essential for the critical thinking mentioned in the "S" section, as well as providing a broader worldview) and financial mathematics (essential for girls' financial independence and knowledge about personal finances). 

Therefore, competitions, financial literacy classes, and knowledge about basic education are rights that girls should have and that need to be reinforced. 

It is important to note that each girl is different, and all these dynamics should include accessibility, inclusivity, and partnership. STEM is essential for the academic development of a girl, whether she intends to pursue it as a professional career or not. Addressing topics like these is relevant to enhance educational development and contribute to scientific and social progress.