Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon
CEO, Stemettes
A study finds that, worryingly, one in three young people have not been taught about a woman scientist in the past two years.
For a decade, Stemettes has been at the forefront of promoting gender balance in the engineering and technology industry. Our work has connected over 60,000 young people across Ireland, the UK and Europe to role models, industry workplaces and meaningful opportunities. As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), we recognise the remarkable achievements of women engineers and inspire the next generation to dream big and make a difference.
Role models bring women in STEAM together
A recent survey we commissioned with the British Science Association reveals that one in three young people have not been taught about a woman scientist in the past two years, highlighting the need to address biases and push for further change.
To foster open dialogue, we will be hosting a hybrid ‘Lunch and Learn’ event on June 23rd, bringing together professionals from industry, academia and entrepreneurship to discuss the way forward.
Over the years, through our free programmes, we have witnessed the growth of young Stemettes, empowering them from childhood through their teenage years and into the workforce. In fact, 56% of our alumni have now entered the science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM) field, showcasing the long-lasting impact of our initiatives.
Grace, a 14-year-old participant shares: “I thought the Stemettes Avantor Summit in Dublin was really useful and interesting. I got lots of great advice and learned so much about jobs that I wouldn’t have considered before. I particularly enjoyed the speed networking and talking to the different role models.”
Let us acknowledge the progress made, recognise
the challenges that lie ahead and embrace the
immense potential of women in engineering.
Acknowledge progress and challenges
While change is happening, we have learned that there is still work to be done.
INWED serves as a platform for collaboration and networking among women engineers, offering support and a space to share experiences.
We have partnered with leading companies such as Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, DeepMind, Deutsche Bank, Standard Chartered, Avantor and H&M — providing hundreds of girls and non-binary individuals with access to engineering and aviation opportunities. Through these partnerships, we connect young women with inspiring role models in STEAM, empowering them to envision their futures in engineering and beyond.
As we celebrate INWED, let us acknowledge the progress made, recognise the challenges that lie ahead and embrace the immense potential of women in engineering. Together, we can uplift, inspire and amplify the voices of women in STEAM, transforming the landscape for generations to come.
Visit stemettes.org/events to sign up and get involved.