Peru Launches Project to Boost Girls' Access to STEM Education Amidst Significant Gender Gap

In Peru, a stark gender disparity persists in higher education, with women constituting a mere 18% of students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Recognizing this critical gap, the organization Food for the Hungry Perú has launched an ambitious initiative, "STEM+G 2026." This project is specifically designed to dismantle barriers and foster greater participation of girls in scientific and technological education, beginning at the primary school level in the Huancavelica region.

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Only 18% of enrollments in careers linked to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) correspond to women in Peru.

The "STEM+G 2026" project will be implemented in public educational institutions across Huancavelica, with the collaboration of the Regional Directorate of Education (DRE) and local UGELs. Its core objective is to reduce gender inequalities through innovative educational approaches. This includes employing practical, hands-on methodologies, integrating technological tools, and creating supportive learning environments that specifically encourage female leadership in technology. The program aims to equip girls with essential skills such as critical thinking, innovation, collaborative work, and socio-emotional competencies from an early age.

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The project aims to reduce gender inequalities through practical methodologies, technological tools, and learning spaces focused on female leadership.

From our perspective at La República, this initiative is a vital step towards a more equitable future for Peruvian women in STEM. While international efforts often focus on broader trends, "STEM+G 2026" addresses the issue at its roots, targeting young girls in a region where access to quality education can be particularly challenging. The project's focus on community-based problems, such as water management and climate change, ensures that the learning is relevant and impactful. Furthermore, the development of equipped laboratories, a digital platform with downloadable resources, and comprehensive teacher training demonstrate a well-rounded strategy. By empowering girls in Huancavelica, "STEM+G 2026" not only seeks to close the gender gap in STEM but also to cultivate a new generation of female leaders capable of addressing Peru's unique challenges.

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We seek that 60% of the work developed in the classroom is led by girls.