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Youth event aims to boost gender equality in STEM jobs

Youth event aims to boost gender equality in STEM jobs

Wednesday 24 April 2024

Youth event aims to boost gender equality in STEM jobs

Wednesday 24 April 2024


Dozens of girls aged between seven and 14 recently took part in an event designed to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Hosted by RBS International in association with Girlguiding, STEMFest involved local volunteers presenting interactive activities designed to build confidence, interest and motivation in the subjects.

Volunteers at the event at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel represented a wide range of roles across various sectors, including finance, technology, engineering, marine conservation and meteorology.

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Pictured: The event showcased a wide range of roles across various sectors, including finance, technology, engineering, marine conservation and meteorology. 

From exploring the local ecosystem with Jersey Marine Conservation and the National Trust for Jersey, to experiencing immersive technology with virtual-reality headsets and learning how to code, the young islanders gained a wide insight into STEM industries.

The RBS International team hopes to increase the number of girls who go on to study related subjects in higher education and boost gender equality in STEM jobs.

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Pictured: Over 130 girls attended STEMFest, hosted by RBS International in association with Girlguiding Jersey last weekend. 

Oliver Holbourn, CEO of RBS International, said: “Women are under-represented in our industry and across the wider STEM sector and to change this we need to inspire girls as early as possible.

“We are honoured to host STEMFest for a third time and are grateful to all the volunteers who are helping more girls gain relevant experience and meet diverse role models as they continue their education and look ahead to career options.”

Local professionals representing various aspects of the STEM sector volunteered at the Jersey event, including:

  • Kevin McIlwee (Chairman), Beverley Murtaugh-McIlwee, Katherine Dunn and Katie Le Rougetel from Jersey Marine Conservation
  • Cris Sellares and Josh Feldman from National Trust Jersey
  • Carla Jardim from the Jersey Cyber Security Centre
  • Chloe Macdonald and Tessa Ryan from Jersey Electricity
  • Mafalda dos Santos from Government of Jersey, and Chair of the Channel Islands Group of Professional Engineers
  • Lynn Cleary, Non-Executive Director at Ports of Jersey
  • Justyna Niedospial from the Jersey Meteorological Office
  • Debbie Janson and Laura Maybury, Girlguiding Southwest Ambassadors

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