The FUE-UJI, as a partner, is part of the E-STEAM project (Equality in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics), a recently approved Erasmus + in the modality of 'Strategic Partnerships in the field of education and training '. For two years, E-STEAM will work to increase and balance the presence of women in fields of education such as Mathematics, Technology, Engineering and Science, since until now their presence has been very scarce.
The consortium is made up of a total of six entities, led by the Silves School Group (Portugal). The rest of the partners are: First Private School Leonardo da Vinci Ltd from Bulgaria, Dimitrie Cantemir University (DCU) of Romania, Institute of entrepreneurship development FDI from Greece, the Jaume I University Foundation - Company from Spain and The professional foundation from Romania.
Ensuring that girls and women have equal access to STEM education and ultimately STEM careers is an imperative from the perspectives of human rights, science and development perspectives.
Equality in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (E-STEAM) focuses on VET and non-VET teachers in primary, secondary and high school by developing an interdisciplinary gender approach in class. Addresses the underrepresentation of girls in STE(A)M (Science, Technology, Arts, Engineering and Mathematics) who will be the future women in STE(A)M careers.
The EIGE study on the economic benefits of gender equality (2017a) shows that reducing gender segregation in STEM education alone could generate 1.2 million additional jobs in the EU. However, it is estimated that these jobs would be primarily long-term, as employment is likely to be affected only after new female STEM graduates choose to work in STEM fields. In parallel, the higher productivity associated with these STEM jobs is likely to generate higher salaries for recent female graduates, affecting the gender pay gap, as well as the income and living standards of women, men, children and their family circle (European Parliament, 2015a).
Therefore, the objective of the E-STEAM project is to establish synergies between schools and the labor market towards creative and meaningful participation of girls in STEAM education (through a mentoring program), develop a virtual platform as a resource center for practices and exploit and disseminate personalized activities promoting the use of the platform. On the other hand, eliminate unconscious biases and gender stereotypes in STEAM education (FP or non-FP) by raising awareness among target audiences; help teachers by providing them with materials to address diversity and gender in class.
