Abstract:

The Faculty of Engineering of the University of Rijeka participates as a partner in the Erasmus+ project "Girls go STEM". The motivation for applying for the project was the fact that despite the significant development of today's society, the percentage of women in professions related to the field STEM is extremely low, in fact, one of the largest gender gaps in modern society is observed in this field. This is a complex problem that is deeply rooted in society and academy. However, recent research and initiatives have shown that there are opportunities to reduce gender bias, increase the perceived and actual societal importance of STEM, and ultimately strengthen women's sense of belonging in these fields.

The overall goal we want to achieve is to help girls and young women connect to STEM in the context of their future careers and enable them to reach their full potential in STEM. In other words, the main goals of this project are:
1. Promote women's access and retention in STEM higher education at all levels.
2. Promote gender equality in the professional development of scientists and engineers.
3. Change perceptions, attitudes, behaviours, social norms, and stereotypes toward women in the STEM environment.

As outcomes of the project we expect:
1. Development of an online platform for student advising and e-mentoring.
2. STEM Café stories as a form of sharing practical experiences through interaction between current and former students.
3. Development of training programme for teachers entitled "Integrating Gender Perspectives in the Classroom."

With these outcomes, we hope to steer girls into STEM fields and careers, with a focus on engineering courses. In doing so, we will feature several female role models working in STEM and seek to integrate gender perspectives into the classroom at STEM colleges. It is important to encourage girls and young women to choose and stay in STEM fields of study and careers.

Keywords:

STEM, gender perspectives, ERASMUS+.