According to experts like LinkedIn co-founder Allen Blue, the jobs of tomorrow will be technologically-enabled, but also extremely human and human-centred. Many of these jobs will be created in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) fields, meaning that future positions will require a basic understanding of these areas.
Technology is ever-changing and it’s important that school students, particularly girls, prepare themselves for the future workforce. Gender-based stereotypes regarding skills and careers and lack of real incentives to encourage women to stay in science and access senior positions implies girls are kept out of the new work landscape.
Investing in girls has social and economic returns that go beyond them, extending not only to their families and communities, but also to the global society. STEAM subjects, especially environmental science, contributes to expose the next generation of scientists to real-world problems by fostering critical and creative thinking to find the most effective solutions.
In preparation of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, ARIES female researchers took the opportunity to reflect on why STEAM education is so important towards building an inclusive and more sustainable future. Check them out!
