In an effort to facilitate a dialogue about getting more women involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the National Women’s Business Council and the Small Business Association teamed up to start a conversation – on Twitter.
By using the hashtag #STEMforHer, anyone on the social microblogging website could take part in the discussion.
NOW: Join us for our #STEMforHer Twitter Chat about women & girls pursuing #entrepreneurship in #STEM @NWBC #SmallBiz
— SBA (@SBAgov) March 24, 2014
Many who participated offered advice and support for women who are either working in or intrigued by the traditionally male-dominated fields. And though the formal conversation took place on March 24, the hashtag has been used by many since to promote quality content and other ideas on the topic.
I wasn’t interested in STEM until I realized how creative it was. We need to teach girls STEM isn’t just calculating, it’s art. #STEMForHer — Annemarie McDaniel (@AnnemarieMcDan) March 24, 2014
So important to #inspire #girls but don’t forget #WomeninSTEM who need support throughout their entire career span. #STEMforHer — Donna Kridelbaugh (@science_mentor) March 24, 2014
We think the stereotype of #STEM careers is keeping girls out of the field. We need to change how the world sees STEM careers! #STEMforHer — Engineering In Style (@EngineerInStyle) March 24, 2014
Representatives from both organizations coordinated the conversation, including Erin Andrew of the SBA. In addition, Divya Nag – the female entrepreneur behind Stem Cell Theranostics – and representatives of GoldieBlox and Girls in Tech imparted their wisdom to those who assembled to partake.
My 3 pieces of advice to women and girls pursuing STEM: 1) Find your passion, 2) Be dedicated, and 3) Take action @GirlsinTech #STEMforHer — Divya Nag (@dnag09) March 24, 2014
In a press release, the organizations said that the Twitter conversation was part of an initiative to recognize Women’s History Month, which is celebrated every March.
Great STEM discussion at the #STEMforHer tweetchat. Glad to see so many #STEM advocates out there!
— AAUW (@AAUW) March 24, 2014
Great conversation on #STEMforHer. Can’t wait til we no longer need special initiatives for “inclusion”.
— Bricolaureate (@Bricolaureate) March 24, 2014
Keep up the great work ladies, bring diversity to the table & be the difference! #STEMforher #SolarChat #Women4Solar
— Raina Brett Russo (@RainaRusso) March 24, 2014
To read more of the conversation, or to follow it yourself, click here.
Related – The Upside to Twitter’s Boys Club: More Focus on Women