In line with its unwavering commitment to building a pipeline of local talent in Egypt and equipping young females with skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, GE (NYSE:GE) recently organized a workshop for high school students in collaboration with INJAZ Egypt.
The interactive event enabled female students aged 15 to 16 to gain exposure to STEM in a real-life setting and nurture their interest in pursuing future STEM education and careers.
Nearly 100 students from the Othman Ibn Affan Language School in Al Rehab, New Cairo, connected with inspiring female role models in the industry and explored a range of STEM activities that empowered them with skills for the future.
The experiential learning opportunity focused on devising creative solutions for an energy transition challenge and sought to foster the vital skills of problem-solving and critical thinking that will be essential to the future of work in the MENA region.
At the workshop, eight teams of 10-12 students from the Othman Ibn Affan Language School engaged in a STEM-based energy challenge led by INJAZ and GE Volunteers. Each team presented viable, feasible, and innovative solutions before a panel of judges. The winning team of 10 students will visit a power plant in Cairo equipped with GE technology.
In addition to solving the energy challenge, students joined various sessions throughout the day that explored systemic barriers impacting women’s full participation in the STEM field and discussed how easing gender biases and closing gender gaps in STEM education can have a strong and positive impact on the economy, driving both productivity and employment.
Despite the rising demand for STEM professionals worldwide, women continue to be underrepresented in these fields. A UNESCO study reveals that, on average, only around 30% of the world’s researchers are women while less than a third of female students choose to study higher education courses in subjects like math and engineering.
The study also states that the dynamics of entrenched gender stereotypes and gender bias keep preventing women from actively pursuing STEM-related careers.
GE is committed to making continued, real investments to drive female participation in STEM to build a stronger and more diverse pipeline to solve global challenges, including decarbonization and the energy transition.
Through knowledge sharing and mentorship opportunities, GE has been developing the next generation of young people to advance science and help create a better future for all.
