Commemorated every year on February 11th, Int. Day of Woman and Girls in Science reminds us that we must work collectively to break gender stereotypes and provide opportunities for women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). And while the world has made great progress towards increasing the amount of woman employed in these disciplines and broadened many girls’ participation in STEM Education, a continued gender gap has persisted throughout the years.

The STEM Gender Gap

UNICEF estimates that only 28 per cent of the global workforce in science are woman, and that woman are also less likely than their male counterparts to pursue a degree in most STEM fields. Barriers to their entry and success in science are oftentimes created at the early school-going age, when girls are introduced to gender roles and social norms. Also, at school, girls are often discouraged or driven away from math and science. Such obstacles are limiting girls’ learning opportunities and educational advancements in STEM subjects.

Exposure to STEM and the resulting learning experiences at an early age can increase girls’ passion for the subjects. Moreover, it can have a profound impact on girls’ desire to pursue a career in STEM later in life.

Curiosity Fuelled by Play

All children are born with an innate desire to explore and understand the world around them. When we encourage and nurture that inborn curiosity with unstructured and free play, learning occurs naturally. STEM toys in particular are designed to foster curiosity and inspire kids to learn and explore their world. They also combat gender stereotypes at a young age, helping girls to learn valuable science and math skills, that increases their confidence and creates passion for the subjects.

At Hape, we know that learning comes through curiosity, experimentation and discovery, and that is why we want to nurture children’s innate desire to discover and understand the world around them. We’ve worked with academic experts, teachers, children and their parents to design and create Hape STEM toys that allow for creative, innovative and fun hands-on learning. Through our Quadrilla Coding Set, children develop beneficial skills such as the basics of coding, counting, critical thinking and problem-solving - as well developing their hand-eye coordination capabilities. With our Scientific Workbench, children can conduct experiments that teach them about key scientific principles such as momentum, potential energy and energy conservation.

We want all children to play at their full potential without the constrains of gendered boundaries that are often imposed on them. Moreover, we believe in the power of play, as it inspires and empowers young women to become the great scientists of tomorrow.