Use of Technology to Empower and Connect Women in STEM
摘要
The gender gap in STEM is a complex challenge that requires multiple and diverse approaches and involves all of society. This study aims to reach young women to help them choose what to study and select their academic path. As part of the W-STEM project “Building the Future of Latin America: Engaging Women into STEM,” we developed two applications: (1) a profiling tool to identify young women students that will be informed and motivated to pursue STEM careers, (2) a mobile app containing interviews, profiles, articles, news, and other related resources. We conducted 48 interviews with women role models, including women in senior company positions, professors in academia, early and mid-career professionals, recent graduates, and students in HEI. The interview protocol included a bio, current role, plans, and inspirational message for women. Some interviews were person-to-person, but due to the pandemic, most interviews occurred online. The mobile app informs young women about their career choices. It is based on identifying role models of women in science worldwide to construct and register stories to increase the interest of prospective and current female students in following STEM careers. This search begins with collecting the student’s profile to offer videos oriented to their preferences. This app is free and available on Google Play and the Apple Store. The main content delivered throughout the mobile app is the recorded interviews in English and Spanish. This mobile app is a powerful tool to (a) reach out to young women to motivate them to study a STEM career, (b) share inspiring messages and real stories of women in STEM, and (c) foster a virtual sorority among women.