Our initial purpose was to promote Gender Equality in STEM, specifically, to reduce the gender gap in STEM fields by encouraging and supporting the participation of girls in STEM education and careers, addressing stereotypes and barriers to their participation. Additionally, an effort was made to improve the quality of STEM education by creating new teaching materials and methodologies that respond to both gender diversity and the different needs of students, with a greater emphasis on the participation of girls. There has also been an effort to empower teachers and equip them with the STEM skills, knowledge and tools needed to deliver gender-responsive and inclusive education, thereby creating an enabling environment for all students. We also tried to promote student participation and achievement, for example to increase their interest, engagement and high educational level in STEM subjects, especially for girls, through hands-on learning and promotion of female role models in STEM fields. Finally, we tried to create healthy relationships between partners, for long-term cooperation between educational institutions and organizations across the EU to continue promoting gender equality and upgrading STEM education.
Research and reports in EU and overseas indicate clearly that there is an underrepresentation of girls and women in STEM fields. Despite the progress that occurred in the recent years, girls continue to be underrepresented in STEM subjects and related careers. This project aimed in promoting girls engagement in STEM related fields, to address persistent stereotypes and barriers that discourage girls from engaging in these fields. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping students' interests and attitudes towards STEM. We identified a need for targeted professional development programs that assist teachers who are interested in teaching STEM and raising awareness of the STEM benefits in social and economic progress in general. The project’s target was to educate teachers around STEM and to promote effective ways of teaching STEM that also foster an inclusive and gender-responsive STEM learning environment. Another crucial need was to sensitize everyone who has a direct relationship with education, i.e.political leadership, factors from society as a whole and of course the teachers about the importance and value of STEM education and help promote gender equality in STEM disciplines, thereby enhancing girls' participation in them.