We are a female led Non-profit, based in Nigeria and with impacts in Ghana and Pakistan. Founded in 2017, The STEM Belle means The Beautiful girl in STEM and we believe that women can be everything: confident in Steel Toes and elegant in Stilettos. We are focused on levelling up the female representation in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics fields by attracting, retaining and advancing more girls and young women to STEM subjects and fields.
OUR MISSION
We are on a mission to recalibrate the female representation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, by attracting girls from low income communities to STEM subjects retaining them in STEM classes and subsequently advancing them through to STEM careers. We are also out to build 21st century STEM Teachers who will deliver effective STEM lessons in the classroom.
OUR VISION
To contribute in closing the gender gap in STEM fields by 2030
Our Theory of Change
The world needs science and science needs women. However women and girls are still heavily underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics (STEM) fields. The STEM Belle is focused on getting more girls into STEM fields because by 2030, 75% of all jobs will require top skill and expertise in STEM and women stand to lose out significantly in assessing jobs in the future of STEM. The gender gap in STEM is a global issue and the objectives of The STEM Belle ties into the fourth and fifth global goals of ensuring access to quality education and gender equality.
Our Core Values
Sustainability
Our strategies have a bottom - top and centre - out approach, and are planned to become self-sufficient and sustainable over time. We involve all our stakeholders during the project design, execution and evaluation stages.
Innovation
All our programs are focused on getting girls fit for the future of work in STEM fields, through delivering STEM subjects utilising 21st century teaching and pedagogy skills, and the use of up-to-date teaching tools and aids.
Transparency
All our selection processes are unbiased and transparently done following laid down policies. We also pay attention to collate, utilize and report only true and correct information.
Passion
We have a board and team who are passionately committed to closing the gender gap in science and technology industries by getting more girls from low income communities fit for the future of STEM.
Target Beneficiaries
Senior primary to secondary school (K4 – K12) female students enrolled in public schools in low income communities
STEM Teachers working with public schools in low income communities
Our Objectives
- Demystify gender stereotypes around STEM fields and create awareness on the diverse facets and career opportunities available in STEM fields to stimulate the interest of girls in STEM subjects and careers.
- Provide mentorship support to girls as they journey through STEM subjects and STEM careers.
- Reduce the cost of studying STEM in secondary school.
- Create opportunities for students to engage in hands-on STEM activities.
- Recognise excellence in STEM to maintain motivation and spur interest.
- Empower teachers with modern pedagogical skills of teaching STEM subjects, for increased student engagement and learning.
