The situation & our objectives
In our society and culture, toys, education and attitudes convey the idea that science and technology are not for girls. As a result, girls tend to limit their ambitions and simply do not dare to pursue certain careers, often due to a lack of self-confidence or support from those around them, but also because of the absence of visible role models. These inequalities appear as early as primary school.
In 2024, UNESCO published a report [Appel à l’action de l’UNESCO : combler l’écart entre les genres en science.: SC-PBS-STIP/2024/FWIS/1 Rev. 2; 2024 [↗] on the discussions held at the Global Forum ‘The Future for Women and Girls in Science’, with a call to action targeting the following objectives:
- Eliminate gender stereotypes and prejudices in science
- Open up scientific education pathways to girls
- Create work environments that attract, retain and advance women scientists
In 2022, women accounted for 41% of all active researchers worldwide, although this proportion varies across STEM disciplines and countries, ranging from 52% in Portugal to 42% in the European Union and the United States, and only 22% in Japan [Progress Toward Gender Equality in Research & Innovation — 2024 Review. An in-depth analysis of research participation, career progression and research contributions across the globe. Elsevier [↗] ].
In Switzerland, although girls achieve better results than boys on average in compulsory education, account for the majority of those holding a school-leaving certificate and the number of female university graduates has risen sharply, a bias persists and the differences between women and men in their choice of education have not diminished [Culture, éducation et science. Commission fédérale pour les questions féminines CFQF. Confédération suisse [↗] ].
Par exemple, in 2020, only 18% of women in Switzerland worked in information and communication technology (15.9% in 2010) [Pour la relève féminine dans les MINT, unissons-nous! Heidi.News. Publié le 8 avril 2021 [↗] ].
The proportion of female STEM graduates entering STEM jobs is increasing every year, but the figures show a significant drop in the retention of women in STEM after just one year. This drop is even more pronounced in the highest-level positions. Indeed, while women represent about 30% of entry-level STEM jobs, only 12.4% of senior management positions in STEM are held by women[Elhussain G, Hakspiel J. Empowering women in STEM: How we break barriers from classroom to C-suite. Published 1 Mar 2024, updated 10 Sep 2024. World Economic Forum [↗] ].
The low number of girls in STEM subjects has significant consequences for their financial security in adulthood, the economy and innovation.
Elargis tes Horizons is a non-profit association dedicated to offering young girls new experiences in the fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) that they would never have imagined existed.
Our goal isto encourage young girls to study science and technology and to consider a career in one of these fields.
Our activities are mainly led by female scientists and give girls the opportunity to meet inspiring role models..
It is also an opportunity for young girls to meet other girls their age who are interested in science.
So far, around 2,000 young women from the Geneva region have taken part in our outings and events, and are now starting university or technical training courses (apprenticeships or schools)..
We are very motivated by the enthusiasm generated during and after the events, and by the many requests to do more!
A parent's testimony
"My daughter loved her visit to the Skyguide control tower, and now wants to make it her career! It's wonderful to give our daughters opportunities like this!"
ETH's study, conducted by Deuxième Observatoire [↗], analyses the career paths of girls who took part in these events between 2009 and 2015. It shows a persistent adherence to gender roles, and the need, perceived by girls, to prove their legitimacy in male-dominated fields.
Family support, especially from fathers, is crucial in encouraging the girls to pursue a scientific career.
Elargis tes Horizons's fun activities open up new perspectives, and help participants envisage careers in science.
Download the full report [PDF in French]
