Why does Not Just Girls Exist?
During my school years, I had a clear ambition: to become an engineer. However, this aspiration was met with significant obstacles. I lacked encouragement from the educational system and had no female role models to guide me. This absence of support made the journey particularly challenging and disheartening.
Despite my efforts, progress in changing this narrative has been slow. The lack of systemic change and visible female role models in STEAM fields has persisted, and I find this situation deeply frustrating. It has become evident that more needs to be done to create a supportive and inclusive environment for females interested in STEAM.
This realisation is what inspired me to establish Not Just Girls. An organisation dedicated to challenging the outdated perception that STEAM is a field reserved for males. I am committed to empowering females by showcasing successful women in STEAM, offering mentorship, and creating opportunities that encourage their participation in these fields. By doing so, I aim to inspire the next generation and ensure that they have the resources and role models they need to pursue their dreams in STEAM…
My Mission
With more women in STEAM than ever before, it’s an exhilarating time to be interested in pursuing a career in these fields. My mission with Not Just Girls is to ensure that every aspiring engineer, scientist, or mathematician is heard and supported. I want to make sure that no female will have to struggle to be recognised simply because of their gender. Instead, I believe we should encourage everyone to boldly express their career ambitions from the start.
Since students are required to make crucial decisions about their studies as early as age 12 for GCSEs and 16 for A-levels, it’s vital to reach them early on. I’m dedicated to providing support and encouragement especially to young girls, showing them that choosing a path in STEAM is not only possible but also highly encouraged.
By fostering an inclusive environment and offering guidance from a young age, I aim to inspire the next generation to pursue and excel in STEAM careers.
What is STEAM?
STEAM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths, represents fields that are at the forefront of innovation and progress. However, for far too long, these subjects have been stereotyped as "male-dominated," with girls and young women often receiving little encouragement to pursue them in schools or at home. This lack of support has left many capable and creative young minds hesitant to follow their passions in these critical areas.
At Not Just Girls, I am determined to change that narrative. My mission is to dismantle the outdated stigma surrounding women in STEAM and create a world where girls feel empowered to explore and excel in these fields. It's 2024, and while there’s been significant strides in closing the gender gap, there is still much work to be done to achieve true equality in STEAM careers.
That’s where I come in!
As part of Not Just Girls, I’m committed to helping bridge that gap by providing young girls with the tools, resources, and mentorship they need to succeed in STEAM. Whether it’s through educational initiatives, role models, or hands-on experiences, I aim to inspire the next generation of female leaders and innovators. Together, we can transform STEAM into a space that encourages and welcomes all talents, regardless of gender.
Let’s keep pushing forward—because the future is brighter when everyone has a seat at the table!