The upcoming summit in Nicosia is set to tackle the gender gap in Cyprus tech and STEM sectors, specifically focusing on enhancing career guidance for girls.
- The upcoming summit in Nicosia is set to tackle the gender gap in Cyprus tech and STEM sectors, specifically focusing on enhancing career guidance for girls.
On March 3, the Cyprus Computer Society and the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies will host a conference aimed at empowering girls in information technology and STEM fields. The event, named Strengthening Career Guidance for Girls in Information Technology and STEM, will be held under the auspices of the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth from 08:00 to 14:00, conducted in Greek.
Gender gap: Collaboration with Educational Institutions
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving ten public and private universities across Cyprus. The conference will cater to a diverse audience, including teachers at all levels, trainers, primary and secondary school educators, career counsellors, and parents.
Boosting Female Participation in STEM
The primary aim is to enhance young people’s engagement in STEM fields, with a particular focus on girls. Organisers point to troubling European statistics indicating Cyprus ranks low in women’s participation in STEM professions. This event highlights the importance of teachers in guiding students toward these career paths.
The Importance of Inclusion
By increasing female representation in STEM, the organisers argue, Cyprus can not only promote equality but also strategically advance its economic and social landscape. The participation of women in diverse teams is shown to produce more effective solutions to complex problems, making a strong case for broader inclusion within these sectors.
Role of Educators in Shaping Future Careers
Teachers play a crucial role in shaping students’ attitudes and perceptions toward career choices. The conference will showcase successful practices and encourage collaboration between schools and higher education institutions, aiming to strengthen support mechanisms for students.
A Collaborative Endeavour
The summit is organised in conjunction with notable institutions, including the American University of Beirut Mediterraneo, the Open University of Cyprus, European University of Cyprus, Frederick University, UCLan University of Cyprus, University of Cyprus, University of Limassol, University of Nicosia, Neapolis University Paphos, and the Cyprus University of Technology, all working together to make a meaningful impact in this critical area.
