Empowering the Next Generation: Insights from our IWD Campaign
At WAAW Foundation, we believe in a future where every girl has the confidence, resources, and support to pursue STEM education and careers. The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) challenges us to “Accelerate Action”, and that’s exactly what we set out to do—by mobilizing our chapter leaders, fellows, and young girls to share their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in STEM.
Through engaging before-and-after interviews with secondary school girls and inspiring video submissions from our fellows, we’ve gathered powerful insights that showcase the impact of STEM exposure and mentorship.
But beyond the stories, this blog provides valuable lessons, strategies, and action points for educators, mentors, and advocates who want to see more girls thrive in STEM.
The Power of Exposure: Changing Perceptions Through STEM Outreach
Many young girls grow up believing that STEM is too difficult, meant only for boys, or simply not relevant to their future aspirations. This mindset is shaped by a lack of exposure, societal norms, and a limited representation of women in STEM fields.
Our chapter leaders tackled this issue head-on by conducting before-and-after interviews with secondary school girls during STEM outreach programs.
These sessions were designed to track how their views on STEM evolved after engaging in hands-on learning experiences.
🔹 Before the outreach, many girls expressed doubt about their ability to succeed in STEM. Some had never seen a female engineer, scientist, or coder and therefore couldn’t envision themselves in those roles.
🔹 After the outreach, their confidence shifted. They had engaged in practical STEM activities, heard stories from women thriving in these fields, and discovered that STEM isn’t just about numbers and formulas—it’s about solving real-world problems.
One student shared, “Before now, I used to think that women are generally more suited for professions like barrister, English language, etc, but now I know better.”
Key Takeaway: Exposure matters! The earlier we introduce girls to STEM role models and hands-on experiences, the more likely they are to consider a future in STEM. If you are an educator, mentor, or parent, find ways to bring STEM to life for the young girls around you.
What STEM Means to Young Women: Lessons from Our Fellows
Beyond introducing young girls to STEM, we also highlighted the journeys of women already navigating STEM fields. Our fellows—young women pursuing careers in engineering, technology, and science—shared personal reflections through short videos, answering one powerful question:
🔹 What does STEM mean to you?
Their responses were deeply inspiring. For some, STEM represents innovation and the ability to create solutions for their communities. For others, it signifies empowerment—giving them the tools to break barriers and challenge gender stereotypes.
One fellow shared: “STEM means creating solutions, and innovations. STEM has impacted me in many ways. As a pharmacy student, I’m learning how to develop better technologies and innovations in health care.” – Evelyn Falaye, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Sagan’s STEM Chapter
Key Takeaway: STEM empowers young women to drive innovation and create real-world solutions. For students like Evelyn Falaye, it provides the tools to improve healthcare through technology and advancements, showcasing the impact of STEM education in shaping future problem-solvers.
See full videos of the IWD campaign activities
Breaking Barriers: The Challenges & How We Can Solve Them
While the IWD campaign provided moments of inspiration, it also reminded us of the challenges that girls and women continue to face in STEM.
Challenge 1: Limited Access to Resources
Many girls in underprivileged communities do not have access to quality STEM education, labs, or mentorship. This lack of exposure limits their opportunities to explore STEM early on.
Solution: Organizations, educators, and tech companies must work together to provide affordable STEM kits, scholarships, and free digital learning platforms.
Challenge 2: Societal Stereotypes & Gender Bias
Even when girls show an interest in STEM, they are often discouraged by societal norms that suggest these fields are “not for them.” This leads to self-doubt and lack of confidence.
Solution: Schools and communities must actively promote gender-inclusive STEM programs and celebrate female achievements in STEM to normalize the presence of women in these fields.
Challenge 3: Lack of Role Models & Mentorship
Many young girls don’t have female STEM role models to look up to, which makes it hard for them to envision a future in STEM careers.
Solution: Women in STEM should actively mentor and support young girls. Networking events, internships, and industry connections can make a significant difference.
Key Takeaway: We can’t just talk about getting more girls into STEM; we must take deliberate actions to create an environment where they can thrive.
The Path Forward: How You Can Make a Difference
Our IWD campaign has reinforced one major lesson: we all have a role to play in ensuring that girls are empowered to pursue STEM.
Here’s how you can take action today:
- If you’re a student: Stay curious! Explore free STEM learning resources, connect with mentors, and don’t be afraid to dream big.
- If you’re a parent or teacher: Encourage STEM learning at an early age. Provide books, STEM toys, and practical learning experiences that spark curiosity.
- If you’re a professional in STEM: Share your journey! Whether through mentorship, social media, or speaking engagements, your story could inspire the next generation.
- If you’re an organization: Partner with initiatives like WAAW Foundation to provide scholarships, mentorship programs, and STEM learning opportunities for girls.
Accelerating Action: Our Commitment at WAAW Foundation
As we celebrate International Women’s Day and women’s month, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and empowerment in STEM.
Through mentorship, scholarships, community outreach, and digital training programs, we will continue to create pathways for young girls to enter and thrive in STEM fields. But we cannot do it alone. We need YOU—our supporters, educators, professionals, and advocates—to join us in this mission.
Together, we can accelerate action and shape a future where every girl has the opportunity to innovate, lead, and transform her world through STEM.
Are you ready to be part of the change? Support a girl in STEM today.