Join educational researcher Nina Alonso for this podcast series as she shares powerful stories from teachers around the world, talking in their own words about their own experiences.
What barriers keep girls from fulfilling their potential in STEAM – science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics – subjects? How far away are we from gender equity in STEAM globally? How are teachers around the world inspiring girls in STEAM subjects?
Nina first meets Maliha Fawzia, the interim Global Head of Girls’ Education at Teach For All. Maliha joins Nina from Bangladesh. Maliha explains that the first barrier for girls studying maths and science is feeling welcome in the classroom as girls. “It’s first and most important to feel safe, to be seen, to feel confident, to share their opinion”, she says.
“This cannot be solved in silos.”
Maliha Fawzia, interim Global Head of Girls’ Education, Teach For All
Next, Nina meets math teacher Patrycja Janekankit, based in Poland. Patrycja gets to know her students as well as possible, and makes sure they get to know her – for example, through telling them about her previous work as a financial analyst. “My teaching methods are built on authenticity and honesty”, she says.
Next, Nina speaks to chemistry teacher Shulammite Ajayi from Nigeria. “I use role models and guest speakers for my science projects”, Shulammite tells Nina. She shows students that they can solve real life problems using science, and that it can be enjoyable. “I try as much as possible to relate each of the topics with what they see in their environment.”
Finally, Nina speaks to biology teacher Kainat Rohail from Pakistan, who, like Shulammite, connects students’ work with their daily lives. Kainat also invites people with STEAM careers to talk to students, and she arranges lab and university visits for students. This helps students to focus not just on their grades, but also their careers. It is “helping them to achieve their long term goals”, Kainat explains.
This episode was made in collaboration with Teach For All, a global network in more than 60 countries around the world, developing collective leadership to ensure all children can fulfil their potential. The teachers in this episode are Fellows of the Teach For All Global Girls’ Education program.
Listen out for
- Showing that part of STEAM is making mistakes.
- Creating a gender responsive curriculum.
- The importance of STEAM role models for girls.
Find out more on BOLD
How gender equality in education can benefit all children – In this episode of Teachers’ Voices, Nina hears stories of teachers encouraging and empowering girls in the classroom.
Gender stereotypes in STEM form early – Mallory Locklear looks at the development of stereotype awareness.
Encouraging gender equality in schools – Annie Brookman-Byrne argues that teachers and parents should help fight gender stereotypes.
Guests and resources
Maliha Fawzia – LinkedIn
Teach For All – website, Girls’ Education, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X
Patrycja Janekankit – LinkedIn, Facebook
STEAM projects are a pathway to modern education, Teach For All blog
Teach For Poland
Shulammite Ajayi – LinkedIn
Teach For Nigeria
Kainat Rohail – LinkedIn
Teach For Pakistan
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