The UN SDGs recognise that education is key to economic opportunity, although many girls still face challenges in gaining equal access. With economies rapidly digitalising, STEM education will be an integral part of every industry. So how can we prevent gender gaps from widening here?
I spoke to Credit Suisse’ game changer speaker, Jennifer Yu Cheng, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of the Jennifer Yu Cheng Girls Impact Foundation. She believes that every girl is born with the ability to lead, and unlocking this ability is the challenge she pursues through exposure to STEM Education. An advocate of ‘seeing is believing’, Jennifer says allowing teen girls to be exposed to inspiration leaders and change makers, can inspire kids to aim high and have the confidence to pave their way to lead. She made reference to a Harvard study, ‘Leaning Out’ that had pointed to teen girls as that vital window of opportunity to change any biases and effect lasting change, which has propelled her to use education as a tool to close the opportunity gap (starting with teen girls) and to uplift the status of women in the future. By providing teen girls with resources, education access, tech skills, the right mindset and confidence to lead without limitations, this will be the game changer to help girls become future -ready leaders. A truly inspiring conversation, which got me thinking about how I too, can make a difference in helping teen girls reach their full potential – starting now.