SeeWomen is an inspiring collaboration between Siemens and the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) to tackle the UK’s shortage of women engineers. Approximately 250 girls - from independent GSA schools and their partner schools in the state sector - are attending the special event on 6 November. The event is part of the Year of Engineering, a Government campaign which brings young people face to face with innovative engineering experiences throughout 2018.
The live show is fronted by BAFTA-nominated science presenter Fran Scott, and takes place at Siemens’ flagship sustainable building, The Crystal, at Royal Victoria Dock in London.
The girls will be taken on an interactive and energetic journey as they investigate the world of science, technology, engineering and maths, meeting and learning about contemporary women engineers and the contribution they make to shaping the world that we live in. There will be live experiments and thought-provoking activities to empower young girls to set future goals and pursue their dreams.
Siemens’ relationship with the GSA has enabled over 50 showcases for both independent and state schools, with a current engagement level of over 2,100 young girls now involved in the SeeWomen movement.
Brenda Yearsley, Siemens UK Education Manger says: “Siemens was very proud to launch our very own SeeWomen initiative on International Women’s Day in 2016. The project was created especially for girls to place a spotlight on modern female role models within Siemens industry and beyond. It is vitally important for girls and young women to aspire to highly-paid and rewarding careers in science, technology, engineering and maths – not just to remedy the persistent lack of diversity in the industry but also to ensure that women are central to shaping the world we live in for future generations.”
Minister for the Year of Engineering, Nusrat Ghani, says: “Engineers are at the heart of designing the infrastructure and technology that we all use on a daily basis, so it’s crucial that people of different genders, ethnicities and social backgrounds are part of shaping a world that works for everyone.
That’s why Government is so proud to be working with organisations like Siemens to bring young people from all backgrounds face to face with engineering role models, engaging with schools in diverse areas and celebrating the achievements of the women blazing a trail in the industry.”
At the Crystal in November the GSA teachers will hear from leading physicist and women-in-STEM campaigner, Dr Jess Wade, Siemens experts and others about why it’s critical for more girls to work in science and engineering. They will share resources, methodologies and contacts so they can run their own SeeWomen stage shows in schools around the country with the support of local Siemens STEM ambassadors.
Dr Wade says: “Engineering and science are full of phenomenal women, and it is brilliant that everyone is starting to celebrate them. We have to work together to challenge the stereotypes that stop girls from choosing to study subjects like physics and further maths – the world needs them now more than ever.
I am excited about anything that we can do to better support teachers in their science teaching, and to give girls the chance to meet career role models.”
Watch the live show on 6 November at 13:30pm via Facebook: https://t.co/zydok9MOzX
To follow the campaign use: @SiemensUKNews @theCrystalorg and #SeeWomen
