Due to women making up only 15% of the tech workforce, the European Commission founded a project called “Girls 4 STEM in Europe”. The goal of this project is to “empower girls to embrace their digital and entrepreneurial potential” within the industry, with Malta being one of the countries taking part in this initiative.
The Department of Mathematics and Science Education (Faculty of Education) within the University of Malta hosted and participated in this project between Monday 12 and Friday 16 September, 2022.
A total of 65 girls from 18 different schools across Malta attended the program and had five days filled with talks and workshops surrounding the world of STEM.
Day 1 – Opening Session
During the student’s first day, they got the chance to meet Dr Lourdes Farrugia from the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Ms Roslyn DeBattista from Heritage Malta.
The students learned more about their work and were able to participate in hands-on tasks as well.
Day 2 – Investigation Day
The students had the opportunity to work in an environment-related investigation on University campus and Wied Ghollieqa. There they examined soil samples from several sites and compared the samples with the flora present at the location and in the surrounding region. Other students studied the waste found in the valley, temperature variations according to location, and air and sound pollution.
This session was led by Ms Tamsin Caruana, manager of Wied Ghollieqa (Nature Trust) and Ms Davinia Shead from Wasteserv.
Day 3 – Esplora Visit
The Esplora Science Communicators organised a unique program for the students during their visit. The girls discussed the stereotypes surrounding people who work and study in STEM related fields as well as the myth about what a scientist should be and look like.
In a second session, the girls worked in groups to use STEM knowledge and abilities to solve a challenge about survival on the moon. Esplora workers held a short show called Take Off! where the students got to learn about flight in nature, planes, and hot-air balloons.
Day 4 – Radiographers And Creativity
The first session of the day focused on health care professionals where Ms Maria Mangion, a radiographer at Mater Dei Hospital, spoke about her experience as a health professionalist.
The second session was hosted by Dr Leonie Baldacchino, Director of the Edward Debono Institute. Together, they discussed creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, with the students reflecting on what it means to be their own boss and coming up with pros and cons of becoming an entrepreneur. The girls spoke about their hobbies and how they could turn something they love into a successful business!
Day 5 – AI And VR
On their last day, students met with Dr Vanessa Camilleri from the Department of Artificial Intelligence who spoke about her work related to artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR).
They then applied computational thinking to create their own flashing light designs for small devices that were accompanied by music!
They ended the week by presenting their findings from the Day 2 environmental investigation.
Why Female STEM Empowerment Is Important
Exposing children to STEM education helps them in thinking in a critical and innovative way. STEM education as a whole gives students a clear insight of how the world works and how they can be more involved in this sector.
By introducing girls to the world of STEM, they can grow up knowing that this sector exists and that they can form part of it. Having equal opportunities to learn and study about this field will make them qualified for future jobs, which will ensure a more diverse work sector.