In an increasingly dependent world on technology and innovation, Steam careers (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) have become pillars for the progress of today’s society. However, there is a significant gap in the representation of women, especially girls and adolescents, in these disciplines.
Globally, the data show that female participation in Steam races remains low. According to UNESCO, only 28% of scientific researchers are women. In areas such as engineering and computer science, this figure is even lower. According to this international organism, the reasons behind this disparity include cultural prejudices, gender stereotypes and the lack of female models in these disciplines.
According to report 2024, published by the CYD Foundation, the presence of women in Steam studies although it progresses, is still insufficient especially in technology. In the university only 34% of the students of scientific-technological careers were a woman in the 2022-2023 course, although they were a majority in grade studies (57%). Early education plays a fundamental role in the formation of interests and skills. It is essential that from childhood curiosity and critical thinking in girls through practical activities, experiments and games that promote a love for science and technology are encouraged.
Naturgy Foundation General Director, María Eugenia Coronado It highlights how from their organization, they work “to favor equal opportunities in the energy sector, putting a special focus on the education of girls to guarantee educational equity. The idea is that, aligned with the fair energy transition, we favor the Steam vocations in female to guarantee universal access to technological education”.
With this objective, the effigy girl program, an educational initiative awarded by Naturgy that works Robotics, technology, science, energy and sustainability through innovation, creativity, teamwork and collaboration.
Effigy Girls is part of the effigy education program, with which Naturgy Foundation offers a wide training catalog in the field of climate change and new energy technologies. In addition, the Foundation is attached to the Steam Alliance for female talent promoted by the Ministry of Education, Professional Training and Sports, to promote an educational system without gender stereotypes associated with certain vocations and professions.
In this year’s edition, the 90 participants of the effigy girl program have focused on the challenge “Green Energy”, exploring solutions related to renewable energy and presenting their projects before the vice president for the ecological transition and the Secretary of State for Energy.
These young women, between 10 and 16, have developed creative solutions in areas such as air quality, efficiency and energy innovation, sustainable urban mobility and energy advice on vulnerable environments. Some examples of the projects presented include ideas for wind farms, hydraulic turbines and pellet stoves.
Through effigy education, according to the data provided by the Naturgy Foundation itself, more than one million people since 2018, have benefited from activities that promote training and dissemination in the field of climate change and new energy technologies.