Thousands of young women across Asia are taking their first steps to change the world by getting inspired to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math, in partnership with Microsoft
To mark International Women’s Day, Microsoft will be driving multiple events and programs at its offices, as well as in schools and with public and private partners to launch the #MakeWhatsNext campaign. The campaign aims to encourage young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
Inspiring Young Women to Positively Shape the Future through STEM in Asia
Today, the number of women pursuing STEM education and careers is still low despite technology making tremendous progress over the last few decades. UNESCO’s Institute for Statistics (UIS) estimates that only 23% of researchers in East Asia and the Pacific are women[1] and only 35% of all students enrolled in STEM-related fields of study are female[2].
One of the reasons for this gender imbalance in STEM subjects is the lack of role models for young women to be inspired by, and grow confidence in the ability to pursue careers in those sectors. In fact, only 1 in 4 girls aged between 12 to 19 years of age in the region[3] know a female public figure in the field of STEM.
“We want to change the way young women view STEM by letting them envision how technology, science, engineering can be tools used to solve global challenges; how their interests today could turn into a job of the future. We’re inviting girls to explore their passions further and gain insights from LinkedIn on how to make their dream job a reality. To make it happen, we are introducing all girls, including those from underserved communities, to female role models from different industries as well as hands-on, purpose-driven experiences where STEM concepts are linked to real-life situations,” said Dr. Daiana Beitler, Philanthropies Director, Microsoft Asia.
To mark International Women’s Day, Microsoft will be releasing a micro-film profiling five extraordinary female role models from Asia, who are using STEM to invent new ways to change the world. Among them, Melisha Ghimere, co-founder of Echo Innovators and Microsoft’s Imagine Cup finalist, has developed the FarmLi solution for farmers in Nepal to better manage their livestock and increase food security; Mikaela Jade, an entrepreneur who is preserving Indigenous culture with augmented reality apps that bring Indigenous stories to life; and Felicia Chua, COO from Coding Garage, who is building the next generation of innovators through computer science education for all.
Engaging Young Women in Hong Kong to #MakeWhatsNext
In Hong Kong, secondary school girls and educators will take part in Microsoft DigiGirlz Day on March 29. The signature event is designed to encourage participants to #MakeWhatsNext and shape their future with STEM. Getting more women into STEM requires a holistic, integrated and forward-looking response that spans across sectors. The 3-hour workshop will be interactive sessions covering topics including the latest trend of technologies, career inspirations and a taste of coding.
Inspiring Girls in Asia to Shape Their Future with #MakeWhatsNext
Microsoft, along with partners from both public and private sectors, are driving activities to inspire girls to pursue their passion in STEM across the entire region – even beyond March 8.
These activities address three key areas to encourage women to step into STEM-related careers:
- Increasing exposure to role models in STEM
- Creating opportunities for hands-on experiences that show how STEM can shape the future
- Helping individuals to envision a future with STEM
Inspiring the next generation with female and male role models |
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Experience STEM through hands-on, purpose-driven activities |
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Envisioning a future with STEM |
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To learn more about #MakeWhatsNext, visit http://www.makewhatsnext.com/. To find out more about Microsoft Philanthropies’ initiatives in Asia, visit https://news.microsoft.com/apac/category/philanthropies-asia/.