Serhii Tokarev, the initiator of STEM is FEM and IT investor, recently revealed that more than half of the project’s female participants attribute their educational choices to the project’s influence. STEM is FEM is a transformative Ukrainian educational project that appeared five years ago and is aimed at the Ukrainian female youth. In a recent communication with Ukrainian media, Tokarev shared that 17% of girls underwent a radical change in their educational goals, underscoring the profound impact of STEM is FEM on shaping the academic trajectories of Ukrainian girls.
Girls typically join the project between the ages of 16-20, providing a unique opportunity to witness their progression from high school to university and beyond. Serhii Tokarev emphasizes the project’s role in inspiring young Ukrainian women to pursue their dreams, challenge gender stereotypes, and emerge as the next generation of STEM professionals.
A survey conducted by STEM is FEM reveals that 96% of community participants express a desire for a mentor—a successful woman in their chosen industry who can share knowledge and experiences. Additionally, 97% of girls aspire to intern in their preferred specialty, often gaining such opportunities through the project’s organized educational events.
STEM is FEM, recognized as the “Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine in the field of scientific and educational diplomacy” by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in 2023, is dedicated to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines among Ukrainian girls. By now, the project has successfully united over 500 participants, fostering a unique community.
According to Serhii Tokarev, the impact of STEM is FEM extends beyond inspiration to tangible results, as demonstrated by the 2023 “Urbanism” course. Renata Seyfullina, a civil engineering student at Lviv Polytechnic, discovered her passion for urban planning and transferred to the Kharkiv School of Architecture. Other course graduates, Anfisa Kaida, Daria Koval, and Natalia Liuklian, engaged in internships with UrbanReform, contributing to the post-war reconstruction of Okhtyrka.
Moreover, 55% of STEM is FEM girls opted for STEM education, with members like Olena Petryshyn studying at Milton Academy and Margarita Perepelytsia achieving recognition at the International Environmental Genius Olympiad. These success stories underscore how STEM is FEM events empower participants to shape their future professions, acquire knowledge, find community support, and develop motivation to pursue careers within STEM disciplines.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, fostering talent in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is crucial for driving innovation and addressing global challenges. However, achieving diversity and inclusivity within these fields remains a significant challenge. Enter Serhii Tokarev, a passionate advocate for STEM education and the founder of STEM is Fem, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering women and girls in STEM.
STEM is Fem represents a paradigm shift in how we approach STEM education, particularly in underrepresented communities. Tokarev’s vision goes beyond just encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers; it’s about creating a supportive ecosystem that nurtures their talents from an early age and provides them with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
