Unlocking Possibilities for Women in STEM

It is a well-known fact that half of the world’s workforce comprises women. Unfortunately, though, only a fraction of the total number manages to reach the top. Various studies...

UnlockingPossibilitiesPhotoIt is a well-known fact that half of the world’s workforce comprises women. Unfortunately, though, only a fraction of the total number manages to reach the top. Various studies conclude that only three percent of CEOs across the world are women.

Innovation has been key in driving the technology-based world of today, enabling diversity and evolving business dynamics. But it is a sad fact, but true, that gender parity still exists. Fortunately though, enlightenment in terms of empowerment is slowly gaining momentum.

In this regard, one entity – the Meera Kaul Foundation – strives to break boundaries by unlocking a world of potential for women in STEM. Established in 2011, the organization founded by Meera Kaul is one non-profit entity that strives to address this very issue especially in the Middle East.

Talking about the STEM sectors and gender equality, Meera Kaul remarks, “Empowering women has gained global prominence. As far as women’s participation in global as well as national economic activities is concerned, it makes complete sense to involve this segment of society that makes up half of the world population. The need of the hour is to not only provide them with equal opportunities but also enhance their skills through learning programs and guidance.”

Offering a range of women-centric programs, the foundation strives to unravel women’s immense potential especially in male-dominated industries such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The Meera Kaul Foundation provides a strong support system through a dynamic team of women leaders belonging to the various STEM sectors across the Middle East and the world.

The foundation has plans to hold a one-of-a-kind pioneering conference “100 Women in STEM’ in Dubai at the Emirates Towers Hotel. Starting from January 14 to 15, 2014, the conference aims to recognize leading women entrepreneurs and executives in various fields.


 

Breaking stereotypes and empowering women to acquire the necessary skills to rise through the ranks of their peers especially in traditionally male-dominated fields is a challenge the US-based Meera Kaul Foundation willingly embraces.


 

The conference, together with an award ceremony, will also highlight issues such as the lack of female role models equipped with the ability to lead their respective communities and, more importantly, their industry. “We want to showcase stories and journeys of women who have worked hard to create a niche for themselves in STEM. By doing so, we are also setting stage for future generations of women torchbearers, especially in these specific sectors, to be motivated enough to take the lead.”

Breaking stereotypes and empowering women to acquire the necessary skills to rise through the ranks of their peers especially in traditionally male-dominated fields is a challenge the US-based Meera Kaul Foundation willingly embraces. “The world has evolved through the passage of time. Work segregation was mainly due to the physical nature of a vocation or occupation. Gone are the days when men hunted and women took care of homes exclusively. That is most certainly not the case anymore. Job performance is now based on a number of elements – from business acumen, work-related skills, experience and so forth. So women can most certainly be, that is, no less than men and vice versa,” Miss Kaul says.

100 Women in Stem is an all day event with highly stimulating activities from conferences, women hackathon and will conclude with an award ceremony.

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