Intersectional Women's Day

This activity celebrates and highlights the diverse experiences and achievements of women, particularly in STEM fields. By showcasing successful women who have overcome barriers, it aims to motivate students and emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion within STEM and beyond. The event encourages students to challenge stereotypes about gender roles and professional capabilities while providing a platform to discuss the unique challenges faced by women with intersectional identities.

The “Intersectional Women’s Day” guidelines provide a framework for organising an annual school event on March 8th, International Women’s Day, to promote inclusivity and diversity. The event involves inviting professional women, particularly from STEM fields, to share 10-minute presentations about their career journeys and experiences, aiming to inspire and challenge stereotypes. Guest speakers can include individuals from underrepresented groups, such as black or deaf female doctors, female firefighters, or disabled educators, to broaden perceptions of professional roles. After the presentations, discussions are held to explore the importance of diversity in STEM, the challenges faced by women with intersectional identities, and their future in STEM careers. Students are then encouraged to reflect on the event by writing brief texts about their thoughts and emotions for a follow-up class.

On the 8th of March invite professional women, preferably from STEM fields, as guest speakers in your classroom or in your school. Ask them to deliver 10-minute presentations sharing insights from their career journeys and their experiences, aiming to motivate and inspire students. Challenge students' expectations by inviting professionals who are not typically associated with a particular profession. For example, consider inviting female teachers specializing in math, physics, or chemistry, a female firefighter, a disabled female teacher, or a black or deaf female doctor. Following the presentations, initiate a discussion among students, teachers, and the guest(s) on the importance of diversity in STEM fields, on the challenges women face due to intersectional identities such as disability, aging, race, language barriers, sexual orientation, nationality, or lower socioeconomic status, in comparison to men, and on the future of women in STEM careers. After the event, discuss with the students to explore whether these experiences aligned with their expectations and ask them to write a brief text for the following class, expressing their thoughts and emotions about the whole experience.