Description
The Czech Republic belongs to European countries with enormous underrepresentation of women in the technical and ICT fields, which causes a series of negative consequences in the economic and social field. Development in other countries, study results of girls in mathematics and other subjects, and also a series of carried out research clearly show that the low number of women in technical and ICT fields is caused rather by social barriers and can be systematically increased by eliminating them. We intend to solve the problem and its causes by creating a wide partnership of the key participants for solving gender segregation in education in the Pilsen region (primary schools, high schools, economic chambers, employers, universities, the Pilsen region), by using experience from abroad and by forming a complex of complementary activities for the established target groups (students of primary and high schools, teachers and guidance counselors, representatives of relevant institutions). The implementation of the project will be a combination of direct work with established target groups and influencing the social discourse through a media campaign.
Summary of project results
The main goal of the project – increasing interest in technical and ICT subjects and the popularisation of technology among girls at primary schools and grammar schools – was successfully fulfilled. An extraordinarily large number of girls and teachers from educational institutions throughout the Pilsen region have participated in our various project activities. They were presented with opportunities to study technical subjects at secondary schools and universities as well as at modern manufacturing plants. We have also mediated personal encounters with prominent women in technical positions and introduced them to the field of technology in an informal manner. Interest and demand for project activities exceeded the project’s capacity; in terms of financial transfers, a higher number of excursions to companies took place than was originally planned. The need and importance of greater participation among girls in technical and ICT fields is evidenced by the involvement of a high number of cooperating entities (113 schools and companies). The accompanying media campaign was aimed at the general public and the elimination of stereotypes associated with women active in technical fields. All monitoring indicators and expected outcomes were met.
Summary of bilateral results