Recently, I had a thought-provoking conversation with a member of a STEM organisation dedicated to showing girls the creativity and opportunities available in STEM and STEAM careers. It brought into sharp focus something I’ve been wrestling with over the past year: how do we truly engage young women in these fields—not just talk about it, but do something meaningful?
The reason I say meaningful relates to a comment from a female student in year 9. I had encouraged them to take part in competitions. I adopted a hands off cheerleader style approach. I listened, encouraged and watched. It was amazing watching previously unsure and reluctant girls take control and develop their ideas. Obviously, some groups were moved forward rapidly. When they presented their ideas to the class, other groups which had been less engaged suddenly took up the gauntlet. It was amazing. Whether they win the competition or not, was not the point. They win by having realised they could do it.
“Brains, bandwidth, and boldness—girls who code bring the cool wherever they go.“
I have diverged from the point I was trying to make. One of these girls then turned round and said to me, when are we going to stop having fun and get back to the curriculum. Wow!!! I was blown away. Everything the competition entailed was part of the curriculum. It involved computational thinking, problem solving and algorithmic development. However, because they had enjoyed it, they thought it was not part of the curriculum. This is telling. Girls do not currently seem to have fun during Computer Science, nor do they seem to relate it to the world around us.
Over the last year, I’ve actively tried to connect with professionals in the tech industry, inviting them to engage with the brilliant young women I teach. A handful have stepped up, offering their time to visit, speak, and genuinely connect. But far too many others have responded with a check-the-box approach—offering remote Q&A sessions as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
And frankly, that misses the point.
If we want to inspire the next generation of women in STEM, we need to do more than dial in for a quick virtual chat. We need real presence. Real conversations. Real connections. The kind that sparks curiosity, excitement, and ambition. The kind that can only happen when someone walks into a room, rolls up their sleeves, and shows young minds what’s possible.
“We need real presence. Real conversations. Real connections“
CSR shouldn’t just be about fulfilling a quota. It should be about meaningful partnership—linking arms with organisations like the one I spoke to, going into schools, and truly engaging. Let’s talk. Let’s tinker. Let’s tap into the curiosity and creativity of these young people. Let’s show them—not just tell them—what a future in STEM and STEAM can look like.
The days of remote-only engagement have passed. We’re living in a moment when countries are becoming more protectionist, and tech is increasingly at the centre of economic and strategic power. If we’re serious about building a local talent pool capable of innovating in AI and other emerging technologies, we must start early.
We have a responsibility—not just to check a box, but to shape the future.
To all the professionals out there working in STEM: we need you. Not just as voices on a screen, but as mentors, role models, and trailblazers. Come into the classrooms. Meet these young women. Show them what you do. Share your journey. Help them see what they can become.
Engage. Excite. Energise. Educate.
It’s time to pass the torch. And we must do better.
Call to Action
If you’re a professional working in STEM or STEAM, I challenge you to take that extra step. Reach out to a local school. Volunteer to visit. Partner with grassroots organisations already doing the work. If you don’t know where to start—get in touch. I’ll connect you. Your story, your skills, your time could be the spark that changes a life. Let’s stop ticking boxes and start opening doors.
