Community participation in the EstudiANDO cinema forum. Photo by María José Muñoz, © RET International

Article by Michelle Alvarado, Communications Officer for RET in Ecuador

QUITO, ECUADOR – Within the framework of International Women’s Day (8M), the EstudiANDO Program facilitated activities aimed at promoting education in equality and equal access of girls and women to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

The initiative seeks to raise awareness about the gender gaps that persist in these fields. Currently, only 28% of researchers in the world are women, according to UNESCO data, which shows the need to strengthen actions from childhood to guarantee equal opportunities in education.

Reducing Gaps Early

Equality education from childhood is critical to addressing gender inequalities and preventing practices that limit the development of girls and women. Promoting equitable educational environments implies making visible and questioning traditional stereotypes and roles about what “is for women or men”, ensuring that children and adolescents can develop their capacities and skills without distinction.

Globally, only 28% of researchers are women, according to UNESCO data. This gap in STEM areas responds to multiple barriers that girls face from an early age, such as: discrimination, gender biases and social expectations present in the family, school and community.

These factors influence the perception that many girls and adolescents have about their own abilities, leading them to believe that STEM areas are not for them or that boys have greater skills in these fields.

Educational experiences are decisive in the future choice of studies in mathematics and science, as well as in career aspirations. Therefore, it is key to promote pedagogical learning and teaching practices that foster girls’ interest in STEM, strengthen their confidence and eliminate the barriers that limit their access to these opportunities. 

Participants from the cinema forum. Photo by María José Muñoz, © RET International

Cinema Forum: Stories that Inspire and Transform

As part of the commemoration of 8M, film forum spaces were held with the participation of children, adolescents and their families under the theme: “Women who inspire, women who transform”.

Through two short films, the families reflected on the gender stereotypes, barriers, and inequalities faced by women in STEM from childhood to adult life. 

Participants of the Cinema Forum gluing a paper butterfly. Photos by María José Muñoz, © RET International

The attendees recognized the challenges and the key role of women in the generation of knowledge and solutions. Each participant wrote down a skill they already possess and something they want to learn. These butterflies symbolized potential, dreams, and opportunities that can be developed on equal terms.

For Tamara, a participant in the film forum, “it is essential to create spaces, especially in vulnerable communities, where girls and women grow up with many barriers in relation to their future.” For Karen, a young participant in the film forum, “teachers and families must encourage girls to believe in their potential.”

EstudiANDO: Equitable and Inclusive Education 

The EstudiANDO Program applies the “Equitable Education” strategy to implement the gender approach in pedagogical aspects. Equitable education responds to the term co-education that implies educating girls and boys on equal terms, promoting values such as respect, dialogue and tolerance. This also implies eliminating stereotypes and roles, providing the same resources for both to develop capacities and skills without distinction.

About the Program 

“EstudiANDO: Inclusion Goes to School” is a program funded by Education Cannot Wait, led by RET International, in consortium with Plan International, ChildFund Ecuador and the Instituto Iberoamericano del Patrimonio Natural y Cultural del Convenio Andrés Bello.

Its objective is to strengthen the resilience, educational inclusion and protection of children and adolescents, promoting safe environments free of violence.

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