Women in STEM Speak Up!


TechGirls

Session 195

Thursday, 24 March 2022 16:00–17:00 (UTC+01:00) ICTs and Gender Mainstreaming Thematic Workshop

Stereotypes that women do not belong in the STEM fields start young, and sometimes even parents and teachers instill that STEM is no place for Women. This may cause women to be skeptical about their abilities. However, studies show that women generally perform better in math and science than boys! The TechGirls program inspired us to work against the odds, share our experiences and fight prejudices and discrimination. Today, we are breaking the stereotype and speaking up because the only way is to have the conversation! 

TechGirls is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, which connects and supports the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by providing them access and opportunities to advance their skills and pursue their dreams.


Nada Gomaa
Nada Gomaa TechGirls - Egypt

Ikram Atchany
Ikram Atchany TechGirls - Morocco

Ikram is a computer science student in Morocco. She cares about contributing to building a better world for all! She has a passion for youth empowerment, social change and advocating for diversity and inclusion in the STEM field.


Theresa Kozelka
Theresa Kozelka Program Manager TechGirls - USA Moderator

Theresa is motivated by the power of international exchange to promote cross-cultural understanding and generate innovation. Her excitement around social impact, innovation, and the exchange of ideas led her to work on the Professional Fellows Program, a Department of State Initiative, which connects and empowers entrepreneurs and changemakers from around the Middle East and North Africa. Prior to that, she worked with the U.S. Peace Corps in Thailand, as a Youth in Development Facilitator, working in conjunction with local government and community organizations to create leadership opportunities for local youth with an additional emphasis on gender equality. Theresa joined the TechGirls team as a virtual facilitator in 2020 and returned full time in 2021 as a Program Manager. Theresa graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and a Minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. 


Ellie Graves
Ellie Graves TechGirls - USA

My name is Ellie Graves. I am a junior in high school from Asheville, North Carolina. My passions are computer science and art. In my free time, I love to hike with family or friends and take advantage of the nearby mountains. I am a 2021 TechGirl Alumna, and this program has changed my life. It’s provided me with amazing friendships, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and much more which has helped me thrive in other internships and extracurriculars. TechGirls has provided me with a level of confidence in myself I didn’t know existed. Every facilitator, staff member, and TechGirl makes you feel safe and comforted, and that’s just from your computer screen. I’m so proud to be part of this community and can’t wait for more exciting opportunities ahead.


Gulasal Butaeva
Gulasal Butaeva TechGirls - Uzbekistan

Topics
Cultural Diversity Digital Inclusion Education
WSIS Action Lines
  • AL C4 logo C4. Capacity building
  • AL C10 logo C10. Ethical dimensions of the Information Society
  • AL C11 logo C11. International and regional cooperation
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 4 logo Goal 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
  • Goal 5 logo Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls