Orientation and connection for female students to boldly pursue STEM fields

On April 5, in Ho Chi Minh City, a media event "Women in STEM - Equally Creative" took place with the participation of nearly 200 students (mainly female students); to raise awareness and promote efforts to eliminate gender barriers that hinder women in the fields of science , technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

This is one of the key activities within the framework of the Project "Promoting the participation of girls and women in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics" (abbreviated as STEMherVN) implemented by the Management and Sustainable Development Research Institute (MSD) from 2022.

According to UNESCO data in 2023, in the world , less than 30% of women choose to study or work in STEM fields. In Vietnam, the proportion of women in this field is slightly higher, about 37%, but still clearly reflects the gender gap in this field. Social prejudice, limited support resources and access to inspirational role models are still challenges for female students in pursuing science and technology fields.

Students participate in activities at the event

Within the framework of the media event, female high school students were not only inspired about the career potential in the STEM field through real-life stories, but also had the opportunity to access useful information about their learning and personal development journey. The program brought together senior students to share their learning experiences, methods of improving skills and building confidence when pursuing science and technology. In particular, students also directly experienced science and technology activities at the Ho Chi Minh City College of Economics and Technology, making STEM approaches more vivid and practical.

In the Ho Chi Minh City area, the project has selected 16 excellent female students who are oriented to study STEM majors to become project ambassadors. Nguyen Mai Anh - a student of class 10B7 at Duong Van Duong High School - representative of STEMherVN High School Ambassador shared: "Before participating in the project, I was worried about whether I was suitable for science or not. I was afraid that girls would encounter more difficulties when pursuing this field. But thanks to STEMherVN, I changed my mind and understood that passion does not discriminate by gender, as long as there is determination and effort, anyone can conquer the challenges in science and technology."

Media session "Women in STEM - Equally Creative"

Ms. Tran Van Anh, Deputy Director of the Institute for Management and Sustainable Development (MSD), said that women are completely capable of being as creative as men in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). However, due to social barriers and prejudices, women's participation in these fields is much lower than that of men, leading to a lack of representation in these industries.

That is why the STEMherVN project aims to support and accompany female students in their journey to pursue their passion and develop their strengths in the STEM field, helping them improve their confidence, skills and opportunities to explore this interesting and potential field.

"Today's media activities, you are not only coming to listen and see, but also to experience, test, and break your own limits. From the games, experiential activities in the learning environment at the College of Economics to the sharing of STEMherVN ambassadors - I hope you will bring back not only knowledge, but also inspiration and belief that you can do it and be steadfast with your career goals and dreams", Ms. Van Anh emphasized.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/dinh-huong-ket-noi-de-nu-sinh-manh-dan-theo-duoi-linh-vuc-stem-20250405193526151.htm