TechnoGirl Trust: Empowering Women in STEM for Societal Development

Hi Guys, 

The TechnoGirl Trust, a pioneering organisation dedicated to bridging the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, continues its mission to improve the lives of all South Africans by empowering young girls and women to pursue careers in these vital areas. With a focus on the transformative impact of STEM jobs on society and individual lives, the Trust continues to emphasise the importance of female representation in these fields for societal development and progress, and the stats are representative of this view.

STEM careers have long been recognised as catalysts for innovation, economic growth, and social advancement. However, women remain under-represented in these fields, contributing to a lack of diverse perspectives and talent. Though research from the World Bank shows that increasing the number of women in STEM jobs could lead to a 25% increase in South Africa's GDP, according to Statistics South Africa, only 23% of employed individuals in STEM occupations are women. The TechnoGirl Trust continues to change this narrative through its programmes by providing mentorship, support, and opportunities for young women to explore and excel in STEM disciplines, from grade 8 to post-schooling and beyond.

Research has consistently shown that diverse teams drive innovation and problem-solving, leading to more effective solutions that benefit society as a whole. By encouraging more women to pursue STEM careers, the TechnoGirl Trust not only promotes gender equality but also fosters the development of a more inclusive and innovative workforce.

A report by the South African Institute of Race Relations found that women make up only 30% of students enrolled in STEM-related fields in tertiary institutions, and this can grow immensely through continued collaboration. The TechnoGirl Trust invites companies and organisations to join them in their mission to support and empower women in STEM. By becoming a donor, a partner or a hosting company for the job shadowing programme, businesses can play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of female STEM professionals.

Together, we can create a more diverse, innovative, and inclusive workforce that drives societal development and progress.

For more information on how to get involved with or support the TechnoGirl Trust's initiatives, please visit https://technogirltrust.co.za/ or contact Andolene Hofmeyr at andolene@technogirltrust.co.za.

Join us in empowering women in STEM and shaping a brighter future for all.

About TechnoGirl Trust:

The TechnoGirl Trust is a leading organisation dedicated to empowering young girls and women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Through mentorship, support, and opportunities, the Trust aims to bridge the gender gap in STEM and foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce for societal development and progress.

Aum Namah Shivay!

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Barbie® and The TechnoGirl Trust Work Towards Closing The Dream Gap in South Africa

Hi Guys, 

From a young age, many girls begin to develop limiting self-beliefs. New research indicates the challenges that young girls face don’t lie in their lack of self-confidence or drive; rather the gaps often occur in the world around them. This is the year that Barbie, in collaboration with The TechnoGirl Trust, will work towards closing the gap between South African girls and their dreams, especially those aspiring to become the next generation of engineers, technologists and scientists.

Focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers, and industries that have predominantly been male-dominated, this partnership will empower girls by entering them into job shadowing opportunities. The objective of this initiative is to provide access for girls to experience the world of work in a professional environment and therefore to develop insight, aspiration, as well as life skills, to better equip their career decision-making.

Barbie, as the original girl and women empowerment brand, has kicked off this year’s Dream Gap project in South Africa, offering participants the resources and support they need to continue to believe that they can be anything. The local partnership with The TechnoGirl Trust aligns with their mission of investing in youth development through ongoing and holistic support. By collaborating with partners to empower women and girls, to better equip them for entry into Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics career fields, Barbie and The TechnoGirl Trust are entering into a long-term partnership which will unfold over the next few years, to change the lives of girl children in South Africa for the better.

“Progress has been made toward gender equality, however, stereotypes and societal biases still exist that can affect a girl’s trajectory and future choices. The Barbie Dream Gap Project, which was started in 2019, is a global mission dedicated to closing the gap by challenging gender stereotypes and helping undo the biases that hold girls back from reaching their full potential,” Says Terusha Naidoo, Barbie Marketing Manager for South Africa.

According to the WEF Global Gender Gap Report 2022, less than 13% of women choose STEM careers. “Our job shadowing programme has been designed on the understanding that exposure to the public and private sector workplaces can significantly contribute towards motivating girls to take up STEM careers that are in demand and where women are under-represented,” says Ms Staff Sithole, chief executive at TechnoGirl Trust.

“Since 2005, TechnoGirl, through our job shadowing programme, has enabled girls to experience STEM careers and ultimately, make informed career choices. In collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Department of Basic Education, to date, TechnoGirl has seen over 26 000 girls go through the structured programme and, on average, 75% of the beneficiaries advance to register for STEM careers,,” adds Sithole.

As efforts by the TechnoGirl Trust have begun to identify girls for the Dream Gap Project in South Africa, the first intake will happen in March 2024, when the first cohort of Grade 9 girls will start their journey in the TechnoGirl job shadowing programme. TechnoGirl Trust will work closely with the Department of Basic Education Districts and Schools, host companies, and Barbie while implementing the established and structured programme set out by them. Girls will experience the impactful, life-changing benefits of the programme, across the 4 years that they are part of it.

About TechnoGirl Trust

TechnoGirl is an innovative programme for girls and young women who show an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Conceptualised in 2004 by founding partner Uweso Consulting in collaboration with UNICEF and the Department of Basic Education. The strategic imperative of the TechnoGirl Programme is to narrow the discrepancy in opportunities that still exist between men and women and impede social and economic transformation.

TechnoGirl enables girls to experience STEM careers and ultimately, make informed career choices. To date, over 26000 girls have gone through the structured programme and, on average, 75% of the beneficiaries advance to register STEM careers. The programme is premised on the understanding that exposure to the public and private sector workplaces can significantly contribute towards motivating girls to take up STEM careers that are in demand and where women are under-represented.

We endeavour to share the transformation burden with corporates, by collaborating with them to produce girls who are better equipped for entry into STEM careers. This will lead to sustained employment opportunities and, in so doing, the cycle of poverty for girls participating in the programme can be broken.

Aum Namah Shivay!

Till next time...Aashish
Thanks! Cheers!!!
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