Sergey Tokarev: Transforming Futures through STEM is FEM

Sergey Tokarev, an IT investor and initiator of STEM is FEM, a Ukrainian educational initiative, discloses that a significant portion of its female participants attribute their educational choices to the project’s influence. With more than 50% of the girls expressing the impact on their further education, including a notable 17% who underwent a radical change in their educational goals, STEM is FEM emerges as a powerful catalyst for shaping the academic trajectories of Ukrainian girls.

STEM is FEM, recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine as the “Honorary Ambassador of Ukraine in the field of scientific and educational diplomacy” in 2023, is dedicated to promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines among Ukrainian girls. Over its five-year journey, the project has successfully united over 500 participants, fostering a supportive community.

Girls typically join the project between the ages of 16-20, providing a unique opportunity to witness their progression from high school to university and beyond. Sergey Tokarev emphasizes the project’s role in inspiring young Ukrainian women to pursue their dreams, challenge gender stereotypes, and emerge as the next generation of STEM professionals.

A survey conducted by STEM is FEM reveals that 96% of community participants would like to get a mentor—a successful woman in their chosen industry who can share knowledge and experiences. Additionally, 97% of girls aspire to intern in their preferred specialty, often gaining such opportunities through the project’s organized educational events.

The impact of STEM is FEM extends beyond inspiration to tangible results, as demonstrated by the 2023 “Urbanism” course. Renata Seyfullina, a civil engineering student at Lviv Polytechnic, discovered her passion for urban planning and transferred to the Kharkiv School of Architecture. Other course graduates, Anfisa Kaida, Daria Koval, and Natalia Liuklian, engaged in internships with UrbanReform, contributing to the post-war reconstruction of Okhtyrka.

Moreover, 55% of STEM is FEM girls opted for STEM education, with members like Olena Petryshyn studying at Milton Academy and Margarita Perepelytsia achieving recognition at the International Environmental Genius Olympiad. These success stories underscore how STEM is FEM events empower participants to shape their future professions, acquire knowledge, find community support, and develop motivation to pursue careers within STEM disciplines.