Promoting Gender Equity and Engagement in STEM Education

The Girls in Science Project is a gender-responsive educational intervention designed to promote equitable participation of both girls and boys in science learning, particularly in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines. The project focused on sensitizing classroom teachers and pre-service teachers on gender-sensitive pedagogies and promoting the use of culturally relevant stories in science instruction.

Program Implementation

1. Capacity Building Workshops: Conducted for 145 teachers (including both in-service and 400-level pre-service student teachers), equipping them with tools to recognize and eliminate gender biases in classroom practice.
2. Storybook Pilot Program: Introduced a science storybook into after-school clubs across target schools to evaluate its influence on student engagement and comprehension.
3. STEM Clubs: Facilitated hands-on, inclusive STEM activities that encouraged collaborative learning and career exploration among boys and girls.

Impact

• 145 teachers trained, including classroom teachers and pre-service teachers, on gender-sensitive instructional methods and the integration of storytelling in science.
• 15–20% increase in interest among both girls and boys toward science subjects and potential careers in STEM.
• Improved classroom dynamics and teacher awareness of gender equity issues in science education.