It was an absolute honor for Mr. Sopheakmonkol Sok, Chairman and Co-Founder of Codingate Technology, to be a panelist in the panel discussion on ‘How to make STEM fun for girls?’ at the National Science Technology and Innovation Day. This event, dedicated to promoting public awareness of science and inspiring girls to pursue careers in tech, technology, and innovation in Cambodia, was a fantastic opportunity to discuss the importance of making STEM subjects engaging and exciting for young girls.

STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, has traditionally been dominated by males. However, it is crucial to break down these gender barriers and encourage girls to participate in these fields. By doing so, we can tap into a vast pool of talent and creativity that has the potential to revolutionize the STEM industry.

One of the main challenges in making STEM fun for girls is changing the perception that these subjects are only for boys. Society often imposes gender stereotypes that discourage girls from pursuing STEM careers, perpetuating the notion that these fields are not suitable for them. It is essential to challenge these stereotypes and create an inclusive environment that welcomes and supports girls in their STEM journey.

To make STEM more appealing to girls, we need to emphasize its relevance to their lives and highlight the exciting opportunities it presents. By showcasing real-life examples of successful women in STEM, we can inspire young girls and show them that they too can excel in these fields. Role models play a crucial role in shaping aspirations, and it is important to provide girls with relatable figures they can look up to.

Another important aspect of making STEM fun for girls is incorporating hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences. Traditional teaching methods often rely on lectures and textbooks, which can be dry and uncivil. By incorporating practical experiments, group projects, and interactive workshops, we can create a dynamic learning environment that sparks curiosity and encourages active participation.

Furthermore, it is crucial to make STEM accessible to girls from all backgrounds. Socio-economic factors can often limit opportunities for girls to explore STEM subjects. By providing scholarships, mentorship programs, and outreach initiatives, we can ensure that girls from disadvantaged backgrounds are not left behind. It is essential to bridge the gender and socio-economic gap in STEM education and create equal opportunities for all.

In addition to these strategies, it is important to address the lack of representation of women in STEM fields. By actively promoting diversity and inclusion, we can create an environment where girls feel welcome and valued. This can be achieved by encouraging female participation in STEM conferences, organizing networking events, and providing mentorship opportunities.

Moreover, it is crucial to foster a supportive community for girls interested in STEM. This can be done through the establishment of STEM clubs, where girls can connect with like-minded individuals, share their experiences, and collaborate on projects. Creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie is vital in ensuring that girls feel empowered and motivated to pursue their STEM interests.

In conclusion, making STEM fun for girls is a multifaceted challenge that requires a collective effort from educators, parents, and the community as a whole. It is essential to break down barriers and create equal opportunities for all, as the future of innovation and technology depends on the participation of girls and women. Together, we can make STEM fun and accessible for girls, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive STEM industry.