More than 60 girls enjoyed a STEM Day at Frederick University on Saturday March 29th. Through workshops in Robotics, Pharmacy, Physics, and Mathematics, the girls, aged 9–12, were introduced to the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).

The workshops, all designed around the central theme of nature and the environment, were specially developed for the day by members of the academic and research staff of Frederick University and the University’s Robotics Academy. They were implemented with the support of administrative staff and female students. The goal was to familiarize the girls with the fields of science, engineering, and technology—areas in which women are traditionally underrepresented.
In parallel with the children’s activities, parents had the opportunity to attend a workshop on ways to encourage and boost their children’s self-esteem. The workshop was led by Andrea Athanasiou, Director of the Office of Studies and Student Welfare at Frederick University.

Take a look at some highlights here. 

STEM Day takes place twice a year at Frederick University, in both Nicosia and Limassol, with the aim to introduce girls aged 9–12 to the exciting world of STEM — fields expected to define future employment. Since girls and women are traditionally underrepresented in these areas, it is important they begin exploring them from a young age. By participating in STEM Day, the girls get to experience firsthand how exciting the fields of Engineering, Mathematics, Technology, and Science can be.

Both STEM Day and STEM CAMP—a week-long series of workshops held in July for girls aged 13–16—are part of the long-term campaign “To all women & girls: Join the journey in Engineering, Science and Technology” by Frederick University. Through this initiative, 50% scholarships are offered to all girls who choose to study in the undergraduate programs of the University's School of Engineering. Through this campaign and its multifaceted actions, Frederick University contributes to the goal of gender equality and the elimination of gender stereotypes as a member of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

The campaign is held under the auspices of the Commissioner for Gender Equality, Ms. Josie Christodoulou.