MEDIA ADVISORY: Closing the global gender gap in STEM education
UNESCO report on barriers girls and women face in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields to be launched at a three-day International Symposium and Policy Forum, ‘Cracking the Code: Girls’ Education in STEM’ (เวอร์ชันภาษาไทย)
The stark gender divide in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields is evident from the earliest days of a child’s schooling through to higher education and the working world. It is an untenable situation, not only limiting the aspirations of girls and women, but also serving as a direct obstacle to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNESCO is releasing a study and holding an international symposium and policy forum aimed at “cracking the code”, or deciphering the factors fueling this disparity, and identifying actions to address it.
Media are invited to join a press conference hosted by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, Thai Vice-Minister of Education Sophon Napathorn and Malaysian Director-General of Education, Tan Sri Dr. Khair Bin Mohamad Yusof, on the opening of the three-day symposium, “Cracking the Code: Girls' and Women's Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics”. UNESCO’s global study of the same name will be launched on the morning of the symposium’s opening day.
WHAT: "Cracking the code: Girls' Education in STEM" International Symposium and Policy Forum.
WHEN: Press Conference, 28 August 2017, 10am. Symposium: 28-30 August
Full programme for symposium
WHERE: Dusit Thani Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
WHO: UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova; Thai Vice-Minister of Education Sophon Napathorn, and Malaysian Director-General of Education, Tan Sri Dr. Khair Bin Mohamad Yusof.
MEDIA: Media interested in attending the press conference or in arranging interviews on the symposium and the wider project to address girls' education in STEM are invited to contact: UNESCO Bangkok Media and Communications Officer, Noel Boivin: n.boivin@unesco.org
Press Kit
Potential Interviewees
Key Findings
Facts and Figures
Infographic
Girls' Education in STEM: Women on the Frontlines of Change
(Part one of #GirlsCrackTheCode social media campaign)
Organizations Doing Amazing Things to Advance Girls' Education in STEM
(Part two of social media campaign, highlighting symposium delegates' initiatives)
BACKGROUND
About the international symposium and policy forum:
“Cracking the Code: Girls' Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)” will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, from policy-makers and those on the frontlines of girls’ education in STEM. The event will serve as a platform for delegates from around the world to debate the factors fueling gender disparities and also to engage in hands-on learning of proven approaches to address these issues at all levels.
The symposium and policy forum will aim to:
Present the latest findings from research and practice;
Facilitate policy dialogue, experience-sharing and networking;
Make the case for strengthening girls’ education in STEM subjects.
Presentations and discussions will be grouped according to four sub-themes:
Building the foundations: Gender-responsive quality STEM education
Changing the equation: Addressing stereotypes and bias hindering girls’ participation
Gravitating into the field: Reaching out, engaging and empowering girls and women
Wiring the network: Partnerships, cross-sector learning and cooperation
