Global efforts to close the gender gap in science face persistent hurdles as international organizations and educational institutions roll out targeted programs to engage young women early. According to data from UNESCO cited by Plan International, fewer than 30% of researchers worldwide are women.
Hands-On Science Programs Target Young Students in Guayaquil
To address underrepresentation in technical fields, Plan International partnered with Ajá Science Park and the National Polytechnic University in Ecuador to launch the “Futures scientifiques” program, according to Plan International. The initiative brought 80 girls from the city of Guayaquil, including nine-year-old participant Darly, for interactive coursework covering mathematics, engineering, physics, chemistry, and biology. Program organizers designed the exercises around experimentation and play to build logical reasoning and problem-solving skills early in a student’s academic journey.
Involving Parents in STEM Education and Career Choices
Social norms and a lack of familial backing often deter girls from pursuing scientific careers, according to findings from Plan International. To counteract this barrier, the Guayaquil initiative incorporated 70 parents and guardians into workshops focused on mathematics, gender equality, and communication. Ajá Science Park Director Vanessa Salazar noted that the sessions encourage children to maintain their curiosity after returning home, while Angela Hidalgo of Plan International Ecuador emphasized that parental support is critical for securing approval for future scientific studies.
Expanding Access to Academic Excellence in France
In Europe, parallel efforts continue through programs such as the Bourse Scala, established by the Fondation Marianiste and supported by institutions like the Institution Sainte-Marie d’Antony, according to foundation reports. Recent national data indicate a steady rise in female enrollment within scientific preparatory classes, reflecting growing ambition among female high school students. The Bourse Scala provides backing to high-achieving students from modest backgrounds who aim for rigorous higher education pathways, including preparatory classes or grandes écoles, working to dismantle economic and social barriers to top-tier academic tracks.
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