Women Startup Stories’ Post

"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish."- Michelle Obama There is something attractive about people who are passionate about what they do. When it coincides with their mission, it is on a deeper level.  Olayemi Mesogboriwon ticks all the boxes of a woman fulfilling her purpose. She has an extraordinary and multifaceted career. In a #recentblogpost, she uncovers her passion for youth empowerment, her drive for positive change, the role of mentorship, purposeful living and more. Read excerpts from the insightful interview below: #NewBlogPost #PurposeDriven #WomenEmpowerment #Inspiration

As we celebrate #internationalwomensday2024 this week, I have had cause to reflect on the United Nations theme: 'Invest in women: Accelerate progress”   It is that time of year when our attention turns to the importance of women and the necessity for them to have greater representation in all facets of society. The 2024 UN theme for International Womens’ Day is ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’. This theme may cause some to pose the question, why? Why invest in women? what societal benefit would such an investment have? The investment in girls and young women, typically begins with decisions concerning their primary and secondary education. Should parents send their daughter to an all-girls or co-educational school. Whilst this decision chiefly depends on the individual child, research from multiple sources including the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) concludes that wholistically girls perform better in a single-sex or girls-only school environment, noting more positive attitudes and experiences in the areas of motivation, attendance, tertiary aspirations and even an increase in the likelihood of studying STEM courses, than would occur if the female student attended a coeducational environment. In addition, graduates from all-girls schools are more confident, have increased engagement in their local community and possess stronger leaderships skills.    Following the school years, additional investment in women, enhancing their intellect, experience and leadership skills, leads to positive outcomes and progress for broader society. When appointed to positions of leadership or influence, women characteristically use their impact and any financial gain and share it amongst members of their family and wider community. This means not only is the individual woman gaining from the investment, so to, are the women and men around them. It is this ‘pay it forward’ effect that accelerates progress not just for women but for all. It is also in the corporate and government sectors, when women have the key responsibility of decision making and problem solving, that their strength to lean into a more interpersonal approach, compared with the more task-oriented focus of men, leads to more innovative solutions, increased results, profits and ultimately accelerates progress as described by associate professor Winny Shen from York University in Toronto.    On this International Womens’ Day, not only should we be acknowledging women and their success, but we should also be finding additional ways to invest, encourage and develop the female leaders of tomorrow. It is these women who will work to ensure progress is accelerated for all.  #accelerate #genderequality #womenempowerment

I recently met Kavya* , passionate 3rd-year B.Tech student, during a career mentoring discussion. As we delved into her interests in technology and sustainability, it was heartening to witness her aspirations to make a positive impact on the world. Welcome to the future! In this era of rapid change, the fusion of technology and sustainability is reshaping our work landscape, presenting countless opportunities for young talents like Kavya. It's not just about saving the planet – though that's undoubtedly cool – it's also about fostering economic growth and social development. Amidst this transformative journey, it's crucial to acknowledge the pivotal role women can and must play. They're not just part of the equation; they should lead the charge. Why? Because they are the driving force behind innovation, paving the way towards a sustainable future for generations to come. Since 2011, BeyonDiversity has been dedicated to building inclusive workplaces and ecosystems. As a team, we've set our sights on the next decade, united in our passion and mission to "Bridge the Gender Gap." According to a World Economic Forum report, despite recent efforts on gender equity, it will still take over 132 years to close this gap. So, we decided to focus on the trends shaping our future in next decade. Mission 2035: Women in STEM: Bridging the gender gap in STEM and sustainability is more than an equality plea; it's a strategic necessity. This isn't just about parity; it's an investment in innovation and diverse perspectives. Women in the Green Economy: In the green economy, women serve as pivotal catalysts for sustainable change. Closing this gap is crucial, not just for diversity but for propelling environmental solutions, fostering resilience, and ensuring a thriving and equitable future. Women on Boards: Elevating women to board positions is essential for diverse perspectives, enhanced corporate performance, and ethical leadershp. Financial Inclusion for Women: Financial inclusion for women is pivotal for economic development and gender equality. Providing women access to banking, credit, and insurance unleashes their economic potential. As these trends unfold, it's evident that women aren't just part of the future – they're shaping it. Each woman's journey, like Kavya's, contributes to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable world. We value your input and support in our mission to "Bridge the Gender Gap" and create a more balanced and equal world. Here's to progress, innovation, and the incredible women leading the way! Check out https://lnkd.in/g9JbE7wh #bridgethegap #womeninstem #genderequality #womenonboards #greeneconomy #financialinclusion

👋 We are thrilled to welcome our new Rising Star Ambassadors cohort! This diverse group shares a passion for women's leadership and creating nurturing communities and opportunities for women leaders. As Ambassadors, they will support Wedu's programs and become role models for their peers and communities. We're confident that these Rising Star Ambassadors will bring fresh perspectives, serving as our sounding board, and we can't wait to see the impact they'll make.  Congratulations to the new cohort! 🎉 Who are these 11 Rising Stars Ambassadors? Read on for more details, and stay tuned to learn more about them! 👋 A researcher and public speaker, Fathima Hazna 🇱🇰 holds a graduate degree in geography from Eastern University, Sri Lanka. Joining Wedu as a Rising Star in 2023, she has expanded her role as a mentor and supports women leaders in their professional journeys. 👋 Firly 🇮🇩 is a seasoned corporate lawyer. Beyond her legal practice, she is deeply passionate about education, particularly in creating education opportunities among underserved communities. 👋 Catia 🇹🇱 | Catia collaborates with youth groups and communities in Timor Leste to develop and document activities to enhance educational outcomes for children and youth. She is experienced in marketing and communications and leverages her expertise to advance gender equality and social inclusion. 👋 Parichat M. 🇹🇭 | a Gender and Development Studies graduate student at the Asian Institute of Technology, Parichat is actively engaged in teaching and volunteering and serves as a chess teacher in Bangkok. 👋 Meghana 🇮🇳 | An emerging entrepreneur and startup product consultant, Meghana seeks to harness technology to tackle global challenges. 👋 Christine J. 🇵🇭 | An alumna of the U.S. Mission to ASEAN's YSEALI, Christine is passionate about arts, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. She aims to broaden Wedu's outreach within her extensive regional and national networks. 👋 Mya Phone 🇲🇲 | Mya Phone is a mom influencer and community builder. Committed to breaking social norms around motherhood, she hosts learning and nurturing spaces for mothers in Yangon. 👋 nargisha 🇳🇵 | Nargisha is a Food and Nutrition graduate student with a background in the pharmaceutical industry. She is dedicated to creating opportunities for women leaders to learn and grow continually. 👋 Chandni 🇮🇳 | Passionate about social impact entrepreneurship, Chandni is developing an application to connect changemakers across borders so they can collaborate and create shared impact. 👋 Htang San 🇲🇲 | A Philosophy, Politics, and Economics student at the Asian University for Women, Htang San credits her Wedu mentor for honing her leadership skills. Now, as an ambassador, she aims to pay it forward. 👋 Sin 🇰🇭 | Sin, a dedicated full-time social worker, advocates for vulnerable groups' rights to social welfare. Her goal is to foster independent decision-making among Cambodian women.

The gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields persist, even with efforts to diversify these areas. In 2023, the gender gap in STEM showed women made up only 28% of the STEM workforce, according to MIT: https://ow.ly/401T50Qu74t Without women involved in all levels of #research, #medicine, #science, and #policy, advances in women's health will lag. This #InternationalDayOfWomenAndGirlsInScience, consider donating to SWHR to help support our vision to make women’s health mainstream: swhr.org/donate.

🚀 Exciting Progress in the STEMazing project! Today’s online meeting marked a significant milestone for the STEMazing project as we discussed the finalization of our comprehensive Training Curriculum. Our curriculum aims to empower young women facing marginalization with STEM skills that are critical for today's job market. Here are the key components: 1. Introduction to STEM and Life Skills 2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving in STEM 3. Practical Applications of STEM 4. Communication and Collaboration in STEM 5. Empowerment through STEM and Future Opportunities STEMAzing's goal is to address unemployment and gender inequality among young women from remote, low socio-economic backgrounds. By leveraging STEM as a life skill, we are creating pathways to employment and empowerment. Our Goals:  Equip young women with essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.  Encourage and support women in pursuing STEM education and careers.  Enhance employability and integration through cross-sectoral cooperation.  Develop change agents who will multiply knowledge within their communities.  Promote inclusiveness, accessibility, and gender equality in STEM fields. Target Groups:  Young women (18-25) at risk of marginalization, particularly from rural areas in Spain, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Greece.  VET professionals, mentors, and career counsellors. Indirect Beneficiaries:  Women’s organizations, families, and communities.  Employers seeking a diverse and skilled workforce.  Society at large, benefiting from innovation, economic growth, and social equity. By reaching women with tailored training and mentorship, STEMAzing is paving the way for a more inclusive and skilled workforce. Our innovative approach addresses immediate employment needs and sets the stage for sustainable social change. Stay tuned as we continue to drive this transformative journey forward. Together, we are making a difference! #ErasmusPlus #Erasmusplusproject #EuropeanCommission #STEMazingWomen #STEM #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Empowerment #Skills #Leadership #Career #EqualOpportunitiesForAll #Youth

In her Forbes article, Dr. Kath Mackay, Chief Scientific Officer for Bruntwood SciTech, highlights the urgent need for systemic change to address the gender disparity in entrepreneurship and STEM fields, where only 18% of high-growth enterprises have a woman on their founding team. She underscores the significance of initiatives like Innovate UK's commitment to its ‘Women in Innovation’ funding competition, which supports female innovators. However, Mackay emphasizes that funding efforts are just part of a larger challenge of achieving gender equality, reflecting the complex barriers women face in accessing resources and recognition. In the U.S., organizations like STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action are actively working to introduce young women to STEM through their mission to expose, engage, and inspire future innovators in grades K-12. Since 2013, they have engaged over 160,000 children through hands-on STEM events and programs. For example, a recent STEM Fest, held on the Georgia Institute of Technology's campus and executed by STEM Global Action, successfully engaged 2,145 students in hands-on STEM activity, with 44% being girls. These initiatives not only provide critical exposure to STEM fields but also help to build a pipeline of future female leaders by showcasing the relevance and excitement of science and technology. Dr. Mackay stresses the importance of engaging young girls in STEM from an early age by highlighting successful female role models and offering hands-on learning experiences. She views programs like those from STEM NOLA and STEM Global Action as integral to a broader strategy that tackles both immediate and structural challenges. By fostering early interest in STEM and ensuring equitable access to opportunities, these organizations are contributing to a more diverse and innovative future, benefiting everyone in the field. #GenderEquality #WomenInSTEM #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #STEMWorkforce #STEMEducation #FutureInnovators #YouBelongInSTEM #CradleToCareer #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicDevelopment STEM Learning Ecosystems https://lnkd.in/geYCUfDV

Great article! The data on the gender gap in Fintech is compelling. Especially interesting is the link between diversity and innovation. I particularly liked the focus on tackling the gender gap at its roots through school-based programs and mentorship initiatives. These efforts are crucial to building a more inclusive talent pipeline for the future. Overall, a strong call to action for the Fintech industry to embrace DEI not just for moral reasons, but for its strategic importance to the industry's continued success. It can definitely create a win win situation! #FinTech #Diversity #Inclusion #DEIinFintech #WomenInSTEM #DiversityEquityInclusion

During week 4 in the CAWSTEM M.A.T.C.H program we had an insightful IWD panel discussion with Goodnews Akindele, Mercy Kwambai, Yarmirama Grace Ashama and Marie-James Sibe (Ph.D.) as our speakers and here are some key takeaways that resonated with me: On Women's Empowerment: -When you train a woman, you train a nation: this statement emphasizes the transformative impact of empowering women. Investing in women's education and advancement not only benefits individuals but also has a ripple effect on communities and future generations. -You are an inspiration to all those who want to be where you are: recognizing our own journey and accomplishments can serve as motivation for others striving to achieve similar goals. -Create a support system for yourself: surround yourself with positive and encouraging people who champion your success. -Striking a balance between personal and professional commitments is essential for overall well-being and success. Prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries allows us to thrive both professionally and personally. On Women in STEM: -The more women we have in STEM, the more others will come into these spaces: By increasing representation of women in STEM fields, we not only create more inclusive environments but also inspire future generations to pursue their passions without barriers. -Give yourself permission to go after your dreams, shine, and it will lead to other women having the courage to go after their dreams: Empowerment starts from within. By believing in ourselves and pursuing our aspirations unapologetically, we pave the way for others to do the same. Our success becomes a beacon of possibility for those around us. -Invest in the next generation: Mentorship is key to nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders, by providing guidance, support, and serving as role models, we empower young women to explore their potential and pursue diverse career paths. Positioning Yourself for Success: -Constantly Upskill: committing to lifelong learning ensures that we remain agile and adaptable in our roles. -Speak about what you do: by confidently sharing our experiences and accomplishments, we not only assert our value but also inspire others with our journey. -Be proud of who you are: embracing our identity and unique perspective is a strength, not a limitation. Celebrating diversity in STEM enriches our community and fosters a culture of inclusivity where everyone can thrive. -Be at the top of your game: gender should never be a barrier to excellence. Strive to excel in your field and let your work speak for itself. -Get mentors at every stage in your career: Seek guidance from experienced professionals who can provide insights, support, and opportunities for advancement. -Define what you want to be known for and cultivate your personal brand accordingly. #womeninstem #IWD CAWSTEM

We are proud to be empowering women from diverse backgrounds!    Recent research from McKinsey, Deloitte highlights that women represent only 27% of the STEM workforce in Australia, and Aboriginals women are notably underrepresented. This disparity not only limits opportunities for talented individuals but also impacts innovation and business success. Studies demonstrate that diverse teams are 33% more likely to exceed their peers financially and foster enhanced creativity.    STEAM Ahead Program is has been designed to address the imbalance by focused on attracting women from diverse backgrounds. We strive to enhance the capabilities, confidence, and employability of women and non-binary students in STEAM fields.     Our program has positively impacted over 400 women, helping them enter the workforce with increased confidence and readiness.    Interested in learning more about our STEAM Ahead Program or getting involved? Reach out to us at ✉ contactus@dreambigaustralia.org.      #STEAMAhead #WomenInSTEM #EmpoweringWomen #DiversityAndInclusion #DreamBigAustralia