STEM IS FEM is an educational project aimed at popularizing
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) specialties among
girls and young women in Ukraine. The project focused on different themes,
including post-reconstruction of devastated Ukrainian cities. Serhii Tokarev, the IT entrepreneur and initiator of STEM is FEM, talked about the
contribution of the project.
The Ukrainian educational project STEM IS FEM received 4,000
applications to participate in its activities in 2023. The most significant
ones are mentioned below. The project implemented several launches like a
course “Urbanism,” a podcast “Science: Women’s Voices” and a two-day module
“Light Industry.” Serhii Tokarev shared more information on each project below.
“Urbanism”—the four-month educational course
The main purpose of the project was to involve Ukrainian
youth in urban planning and post-war reconstruction. The project team believes
the collaborative work of citizens of different genders, ages, and experiences
is a powerful approach to restoring the devastated Ukrainian cities.
“The team is actively working to ensure that as many
citizens as possible gain knowledge about urban planning: understanding what
our cities are like and what they can become, what aspects are worth
preserving, and what needs improvement. With a significant task ahead in the
post-war reconstruction of the country, it is crucial already now to engage the
younger generation in restoring Ukrainian cities,” shares Tokarev.
According to Serhii Tokarev, 50 girls worked on the fundamentals of urban planning and
architecture and developed projects to reconstruct public spaces in three
war-torn Ukrainian cities: Ichnia, Trostyanets, and Okhtyrka. In April 2023,
the participants presented their works and the top ten projects were refined by
a team of experts and offered for further implementation. Moreover, three
graduates were granted internships at Urban Reform NGO.
Series “Urbanism”
After completing the educational course, STEM is FEM has
created an educational series “Urbanism” which was initiated by the Ministry of
Digital Transformation of Ukraine. The series includes 17 episodes reflecting
different topics and is available on Diia. Education. Serhii Tokarev mentioned
topics like the study of cities and responsible citizenship, post-war
reconstruction, the shaping of public spaces, inclusivity, and innovative
construction projects.
“Light Industry”—the two-day educational module
Another theme the STEM and FEM project focused on is an
educational module “Light Industry” conducted in collaboration with the women’s
lingerie brand brabrabra. About 30 participants listened to
motivational speeches and insights from industry experts, studied the design
and clothing production, and even created their lingerie collections.
“Science: Women’s Voices”—the podcast
STEM and FEM launched the podcast to highlight the
contribution of women in science. Each episode is about female researchers’
professional and personal journeys.
The IT entrepreneur is convinced that it is vital to create
a conducive tech environment for women. This allows for improving technological
progress through diversity of experiences and perspectives.
 specialties among girls and young women in Ukraine.)
