INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF SUSTAINABILITY LEADERS THROUGH STEM
As we look to solve the complex sustainability challenges of the future, quality education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is essential, providing young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster and protect sustainable societies. As highlighted by a recent report from the National Grid, STEM education must be prioritised to build a workforce equipped to tackle climate change and drive progress towards net zero goals. STEM education and its value to combating sustainability challenges is central to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including ensuring access to inclusive and equitable quality education (goal 4), and action to combat climate change (goal 13).
Despite progress in recent years, women remain underrepresented within STEM-reliant industries. The research is clear that there is a significant delta between the uptake of both STEM subjects in further education and in choice of career pathways between boys and girls, meaning our workforce is not comprised of the full potential talent pool. Increasing the participation of girls in the STEM sector is also important in progressing towards SDG 5, which focuses on gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls. Published ahead of International Women in Engineering Day 2023, Engineering UK’s rapid evidence report highlighted the value of engaging girls with STEM from a young age if we are to address the underrepresentation of women in the space, showing them the vast range of careers and developmental opportunities available.
Initiatives such as FIA Girls on Track UK, run by Motorsport UK, which aim to inspire girls into motorsport and STEM roles by bringing the sector to life for them in a variety of ways, are therefore crucial in increasing female participation in the sector. We have partnered Girls on Track UK since its inception, and work with several other partners on social outreach activations and community engagement to play our part in redressing the industry’s gender imbalance. Girls on track events give girls the opportunity to take part in a variety of exciting activities that showcase the range of opportunities available within motorsport and STEM, and we support these events as an official STEM partner, running a challenge for the girls to build and code Lego cars. Between 2021-23 alone, our team has delivered STEM activities to over 1800 girls in partnership with Girls on Track and Motorsport UK.
These grassroots Initiatives, paired with awareness-raising campaigns such as UN Women in Science Day and International Women in Engineering Day, provide opportunities to celebrate the achievements of women in STEM whilst increasing young girls’ exposure to and understanding of the sector. Supporting girls to be a part of the next generation of sustainability professionals through STEM is a core pillar of our strategy and we are proud to work with our industry partners to improve accessibility for girls.