In a groundbreaking effort to bridge the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and sustainability fields, the GREENIFY project has officially launched. Co-funded by the European Union under the ERASMUS+ programme, GREENIFY aims to inspire and equip girls and young women, particularly those from rural areas and families without a history of higher education, with the skills and tools necessary to lead in the green economy.
Belgium, ranked 10th globally for gender equality in the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Gender Gap Report, has made significant progress, narrowing the overall gender gap to 79.6%. However, challenges persist in specific sectors such as STEM. Recent data from the European Institute for Gender Equality reveals that only 6% of women in Belgium work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, compared to 34% of men. This stark disparity highlights the barriers many women face when pursuing careers in these fields, particularly those from rural areas or non-graduate family backgrounds.
GREENIFY seeks to tackle these challenges head-on by developing innovative educational tools, such as a STEM Toolkit and a Sustainability Management Module, to inspire and empower young women across Europe. By focusing on capacity building for STEM educators and providing accessible resources tailored to the needs of girls and young women, the project aims to create pathways for more inclusive participation in the green economy. In Belgium and beyond, GREENIFY is not just closing gender gaps but paving the way for a new generation of leaders driving sustainability and innovation.
As Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, aptly stated: "The path to full equality is still long. It requires attention and commitment, every day, from each and every one of us. So that the next generation of women can finally get what they deserve: a world of equal rights and opportunities, for all." GREENIFY embodies this vision, addressing the dual challenges of underrepresentation of women in STEM and the skills gap in the green labor market.
The project brings together a dynamic consortium of partners from Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, and Belgium, united by a shared mission to foster inclusive educational pathways for young women. Over the next two years, GREENIFY will pilot its tools in various educational contexts, working closely with STEM teachers, vocational education trainers, and policy stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability and adoption.
By addressing structural barriers and fostering collaboration among educational institutions, policymakers, and the business community, GREENIFY seeks to position young women as leaders of the green revolution. The aim is to create not only skilled professionals but also a cultural shift that positions young women as pivotal actors in the green transition.
For updates on project milestones and opportunities for involvement:
In a groundbreaking effort to bridge the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and sustainability fields, the GREENIFY project has officially launched. Co-funded by the European Union under the ERASMUS+ programme, GREENIFY aims to inspire and equip girls and young women, particularly those from rural areas and families without a history of higher education, with the skills and tools necessary to lead in the green economy.
Belgium, ranked 10th globally for gender equality in the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Gender Gap Report, has made significant progress, narrowing the overall gender gap to 79.6%. However, challenges persist in specific sectors such as STEM. Recent data from the European Institute for Gender Equality reveals that only 6% of women in Belgium work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, compared to 34% of men. This stark disparity highlights the barriers many women face when pursuing careers in these fields, particularly those from rural areas or non-graduate family backgrounds.
GREENIFY seeks to tackle these challenges head-on by developing innovative educational tools, such as a STEM Toolkit and a Sustainability Management Module, to inspire and empower young women across Europe. By focusing on capacity building for STEM educators and providing accessible resources tailored to the needs of girls and young women, the project aims to create pathways for more inclusive participation in the green economy. In Belgium and beyond, GREENIFY is not just closing gender gaps but paving the way for a new generation of leaders driving sustainability and innovation.
As Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, aptly stated: "The path to full equality is still long. It requires attention and commitment, every day, from each and every one of us. So that the next generation of women can finally get what they deserve: a world of equal rights and opportunities, for all." GREENIFY embodies this vision, addressing the dual challenges of underrepresentation of women in STEM and the skills gap in the green labor market.
The project brings together a dynamic consortium of partners from Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, and Belgium, united by a shared mission to foster inclusive educational pathways for young women. Over the next two years, GREENIFY will pilot its tools in various educational contexts, working closely with STEM teachers, vocational education trainers, and policy stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainability and adoption.
By addressing structural barriers and fostering collaboration among educational institutions, policymakers, and the business community, GREENIFY seeks to position young women as leaders of the green revolution. The aim is to create not only skilled professionals but also a cultural shift that positions young women as pivotal actors in the green transition.
For updates on project milestones and opportunities for involvement: