STEM GenderIN : a bridge to close the STEM gap with gender-inclusive education and teachning

<< Background >>We applied for this project to address the persistent gender gap in STEM education and careers, which limits opportunities for underrepresented groups and reduces diversity in the sector. We identified a need to strengthen both pedagogical approaches and institutional capacities to promote gender equality in STEM learning environments. We aimed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and resources of teachers and educators, develop evidence-based teaching tools, and foster collaboration with international partners to exchange good practices. Additionally, we sought to improve our ability to design and deliver training, use digital platforms effectively, and engage wider communities through structured dissemination. By participating, we addressed these needs while contributing to a shared EU objective of fostering inclusive, equitable, and high-quality STEM education.<< Objectives >>We undertook this European project to help reduce the gender gap in STEM by strengthening the skills of lower-secondary school teachers (ages 11–15) in managing gender diversity. Our focus was on promoting gender-aware teaching, challenging stereotypes, and implementing inclusive STEM education practices. Through this approach, we aimed to encourage more girls to pursue STEM subjects and careers, while equipping teachers and educators with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to foster equitable learning environments.<< Implementation >>During our project, the following activities were carried out:1. A scientific and technical literature review of over 30 sources on STEM and gender-related topics.2. An inventory of 20 inspiring practices in STEM and gender education for secondary schools across all partner countries, presented in a summary report by each partner country.3. Development and distribution of a survey to STEM teachers in the four participating countries to understand their teaching practices and needs for more gender-inclusive approaches, collecting 210 responses and analysing the results.4. Development of digital resources to support teachers and educators in implementing inclusive STEM teaching.5. Comprehensive communication and dissemination activities, both online and face-to-face, to ensure broad visibility, reach, and uptake of the project results by the target audience.<< Results >>The concrete outputs of our project are:1. Two publications: ‘Equality Pedagogy in STEM: An EU Framework’ and ‘A guide for including a gender perspective in STEM schools and education’ that laid the foundation for the construction of the tools and.2. A digital mini-training programme made up of 10 modules including information, awareness raising tools and ready-to-use activities for STEM teachers, available in 5 languages (English, French, Portuguese, Italian and Romanian).3. Two additional tools designed for teachers and educators: a checklist and a self-assessment tool, available in 5 languages (English, French, Portuguese, Italian and Romanian).4. A multilingual online platform (www.stemgenderin.eu) serving as a central hub for all project materials, available in 5 languages (English, French, Portuguese, Italian and Romanian).5. Communication materials: one leaflet and 4 newsletters, available in 5 languages (English, French, Portuguese, Italian and Romanian).