The “Gender Equality in STEM” Summer School, held from June 17 to 28 at the UTM Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications, concluded with great success. This innovative initiative, supported by the “EVOLVE4GE” project from UN Women Moldova and funded by the European Union, brought together 50 young enthusiasts of science and technology, providing them with a valuable and inspiring educational experience.
The main aim of the Summer School was to inspire and encourage Moldova’s youth to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Over two intensive weeks, participants delved into various STEM fields through interactive and hands-on sessions, covering topics like programming, robotics, electrical engineering, and telecommunications.
A defining feature of the Summer School was the close collaboration with leading telecommunications companies in Moldova, such as Moldcell, StarNet, and Gilat Satellite Networks Moldova. Visits to these companies provided students with a real-world perspective on industry practices and innovations, allowing them to interact with professionals and explore potential careers in authentic work environments.
Participants had the opportunity to engage with prominent figures such as Carolina BUGAIAN, Director of Moldcell; Adela DOROFEI, Technical Department Director at Moldcell; Ana CHIRIȚA, Director of Strategic Projects at ATIC; and Lilia SAVA, Dean of the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications at UTM. These role models shared their experiences and encouraged students to persevere in their STEM careers, emphasizing the importance of overcoming obstacles and continually seeking new opportunities. Their dedication to promoting gender equality and supporting women in science and technology was evident, serving as inspiring examples for the students.
The integration into the “EVOLVE4GE” project highlighted the strong commitment of UN Women Moldova and the Technical University of Moldova to advancing gender equality and supporting women in achieving their professional potential in STEM fields. The Summer School represented a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable educational and professional landscape in Moldova.
The successful completion of the first edition of the Summer School marks an important achievement in promoting STEM education in Moldova. It promises the continued growth and expansion of similar initiatives in the future. Through education and close collaboration between universities, the private sector, and international organizations, we are laying the groundwork for a more prosperous and inclusive society—one where all young people, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to thrive in STEM fields.
The “Gender Equality in STEM” Summer School demonstrated that investing in education and fostering diversity and equity are essential for sustainable and innovative growth in Moldova.
