Women and Girls in Science and Technology 2025: Reaching Out to Over 4,700 Pupils

 Women and Girls in Science and Technology 2025: Reaching Out to Over 4,700 Pupils

From February 10 to 14, 76 ambassadors from CERN, the University of Geneva (UNIGE), the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), and the Annecy Particle Physics Laboratory (LAPP) visited local schools to inspire young minds and demonstrate that science is an accessible career path for all. Over the course of the week, these ambassadors delivered 215 interactive presentations to approximately 4,730 pupils aged 5 to 16.

This initiative, organized annually in celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, aims to challenge gender stereotypes in scientific and technical careers. Since its inception in 2017, the program has reached over 30,000 students, providing them with the opportunity to meet female scientists, engineers, technicians, and other professionals working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Future Scientists

During their visits, the ambassadors shared their passion for science with students through hands-on experiments, engaging demonstrations, and open discussions tailored to each age group. The teachers were quick to highlight the positive impact these interactions had on their pupils, particularly girls, making it easier for them to visualize themselves pursuing careers in science and technology.

"This initiative is about showing young people, especially girls, that there’s no limit to what they can achieve in science," said one teacher. "It’s a great way to inspire them and break down barriers that may have previously seemed insurmountable."

Voices from the Classroom: Curious Minds and Eager Learners

The enthusiasm and curiosity from the students were evident. Some pupils asked thoughtful questions such as:

• "If my boyfriend enters a black hole, can I still phone him?"
• "Is the speed of light faster than a cheetah?"

While their teachers reflected on the transformative impact of the initiative:

• "Our speaker explained that she was dyslexic and might make mistakes in her slides. This was such a valuable lesson for students who may also struggle with learning difficulties. It showed them that these challenges don’t need to stand in the way of a career in science."
• "In one class, the pupil who was struggling the most has found her calling. Her attitude toward lessons changed, and she now sees the value of studying in a whole new light."

Looking Ahead: Join the Movement

The success of this program continues to prove that when young people, especially girls, are given access to female role models in science, they can be inspired to explore STEM careers. The volunteers not only share their knowledge but also encourage the next generation of scientists to follow their passions and break boundaries.

Interested in sharing your own passion for science with future generations? Keep an eye out for upcoming calls for volunteers and join this inspiring initiative.

Contact us to learn more about how you can contribute to shaping the future of science education.