Despite the full-scale invasion of Russia, Ukraine keeps developing in different segments, in particular the IT sector. STEM is FEM is a Ukrainian educational project aimed at allowing Ukrainian girls to gain education and opportunities in science and technology. The project was initiated by Sergey Tokarev, the co-founder and partner at Roosh. The IT entrepreneur shared news about creating the first STEM ecosystem in Ukraine.
Along with the STEM is FEM initiative, the project team have come up with a solution to create an ecosystem. It will combine organizations, people, and ideas that promote education and careers in STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
According to Sergey Tokarev, the project was established in 2019. First, the project team was focused on encouraging Ukrainian girls to deepen their knowledge of science and technology. They introduced participants to women who have built great careers in STEM, and provided the girls with more information about possible career paths.
To attract as many girls as possible, the STEM is FEM team implemented the art project SHE is SCIENCE which involved Ukrainian illustrators who painted portraits of 12 famous Ukrainian female scientists. The paintings were presented at exhibitions in Ukraine and abroad.
“Over five years of activity, STEM is FEM has engaged more than 500 girls in our activities. Within our ecosystem, we plan to unite 1,000 young Ukrainian women this year, and by 2030, we aim to reach 10,000”, stated Elizaveta Korenko, the head of STEM is FEM.
Sergey Tokarev also mentions that the project launched an educational series “Urbanism” on the national edutainment platform Diia.Education. In 20223, STEM is FEM was honored with the title of “Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine in the field of scientific and educational diplomacy” by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
“The STEM is FEM team realized that we have enough experience and expertise to achieve more ambitious goals and make systemic changes. That is why we are launching the first STEM ecosystem in Ukraine. Our goal is to become a guide for Ukrainian girls interested in STEM and dreaming of a corresponding career. In addition to educational events—webinars, lectures, and courses—we are launching a mentoring program to provide mentorship to those taking their first steps”, shared Tokarev.
Sergey Tokarevunderlines that the ecosystem consists of three communities:
- STEM is FEM Community for girls aged 14-22 where they can develop their hard and soft skills, and receive mentorship support from the best representatives
- Alumni STEM is FEM Club for young women over 22 years old who have previously participated in project activities and now want to develop their expertise and become mentors for younger participants.
- STEM is FEM Teachers Platform for teachers who teach STEM disciplines and aspire to improve their qualifications, deepen their knowledge of digitalization and soft skills, and receive mentorship support.
As part of the ecosystem’s activities, the project team will invite Ukrainian and foreign experts and mentors ready to share their knowledge and expertise with participants from all three communities.
