The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts is the largest voluntary movement dedicated to girls and young women in the world. Their diverse movement represents 10.8 million girls and young women from 153 countries and territories.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) has become a key strategic theme for WAGGGS’ global programmes due to demand from their membership organisations around the world. STEM skills have become increasingly important for participation in the modern workforce, for successfully navigating daily life, and in tackling many of the world’s most significant challenges.

We are delighted to be partnering with WAGGGS to deliver an 18-month project in Sri Lanka and Nepal, countries where girls are particularly underrepresented in the take-up of STEM subjects and careers.

The project aims to inspire and engage girls and young women with STEM and to strengthen the STEM capacity and confidence of adult volunteer Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting leaders in the region.

Volunteer leaders from Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association and Nepal Scouts will be trained in the newly developed non-formal education STEM curriculum and the programme will be rolled out to Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in both countries. By building the capacity of adult leaders they become essential supportive role models in championing greater participation for girls and young women in STEM.

The programme will build the girls’ and young women’s knowledge of STEM, help them develop the mindsets and confidence to pursue STEM education and employment opportunities, and develop the skills and confidence to pass their learning on to create change in their own communities.

Guy Holloway, Interim Chief Executive, WAGGGS says: “We are delighted to be working with the Spectris Foundation on this new project. The gender gap in STEM is still too wide – from education through careers and in leadership and policy making, girls and women are underrepresented. Through our partnership we will encourage the next generation of girls and young women in Nepal and Sri Lanka to explore STEM and be inspired by the opportunities it presents for them. We will spark their curiosity and support them to break down barriers and advocate for change.”