Girls and science: a training module on motivating girls to embark on science and technology careers

Making careers in science more attractive to girls

By: Clegg, A. (ed.)
Published by: UNESCO - Education Sector , 2006
Via: Eldis

Social and economic development of a country is closely linked to the educational level of its female population. As women in the developing world are generally under-represented in science and technology, this module aims to address the inherent gender disparities in this field, with a specific focus on Africa. Further aims of the module are to:

• promote a positive image of women in scientific and technological careers
• sensitise parents, educators, school administrative staff, curriculum developers and trainers to counter gender stereotypes within the field
• improve access of girls to scientific and technological education by providing clear ideas of career opportunities
• provide teachers with the necessary career guidance tools to meet the needs of female learners seeking careers in science and technology.

The module is presented in a number of units as follows:

• Unit 1:introduction outlining the situation of women in science, the cultural and societal attitudes to and obstacles facing women in science, and advocating for more girls to study science
• Unit 2:training and supporting teachers in their attempts to encourage and instill confidence in girls studying science
• Unit 3:providing career guidance teachers with an understanding of the issues and with mechanisms for addressing them
• Unit 4:providing guidance on how to develop and manage specific career guidance activities in a manner directed towards supporting girls opting for careers in the science and technology sectors
• Unit 5:advising science and maths teachers on mechanisms for making their subjects more accessible and attractive to girls
• Unit 6:informing teacher trainers on how to integrate the issues into the construction and implementation of their programmes.