Breaking barriers, inspiring dreams: How free online learning is empowering young women in the field of STEM

Breaking barriers, inspiring dreams: How free online learning is empowering young women in the field of STEM

A 2024 UNESCO report on gender equality in STEM education reveals that approximately 35% of STEM graduates are female, with a smaller percentage in areas like engineering (28%) and information technology (22%). A major barrier that discourages girls from pursuing these fields is societal stereotypes. Additionally, limited access to learning resources and supportive environments reduces motivation and opportunities for female students to explore STEM.

Various initiatives are being implemented to encourage female students to engage in STEM. Scholarships for women, science and technology competitions, and targeted training programs have raised awareness of women's roles in STEM. Notably, a "zero-cost" solution opens access to high-quality STEM courses for millions of female students in Vietnam. Through the free online learning platform Khan Academy, students can self-learn hundreds of STEM-related courses such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and Programming anytime and anywhere, regardless of age or gender. This is a tool for students, especially female students, to equip themselves with a solid knowledge foundation to excel in this field.

Overcoming obstacles and stereotypes

In the mountainous commune of La Pan Tan (Mu Cang Chai District, Yen Bai), many students are showing positive prospects in mathematics skills and using information technology devices despite many difficulties and shortages. "I wasn't good at math. At first, although I learned both at Khan Academy and in class, I still didn't fully understand the lessons. But after a month and a half of persistently watching videos and doing exercises until I got them all right, now I no longer find math difficult, and I find it very easy to understand new lessons in class," shared Thao Thi Bla, an 8th-grade student at La Pan Tan Boarding Primary and Secondary School. Typically, Bla spends 20-30 minutes each day reviewing lessons on Khan Academy, studying in the school's computer room and self-studying with her phone in the evenings. Maintaining the habit of studying at Khan Academy also helps her become more confident in her computer and internet skills, especially supplementing her ICT class. "Before, I found ICT very difficult, but now I find it much easier and more fun!"

Khan Academy has also helped many female students become more confident in their abilities and boldly "compete" in natural sciences, often considered the "strength" of male students. Ha Thi Thanh Huyen, an 8th-grade student at Duc Ninh Secondary School (Ham Yen District, Tuyen Quang), loves studying mathematics and is a member of the school's math team. Huyen has honed her self-study skills with Khan Academy and continues improving daily. "What I like best about Khan is the step-by-step solution that helps me know where I went wrong. Especially when I make a mistake, the platform doesn't just give the correct answer but provides guidance for me to redo it until I get it right. Therefore, outside of class, I can practice unsolved problems and review my knowledge." As one of the top students on the math team, Huyen is proof that success will come to those who are diligent and persistent, regardless of whether they have a "natural talent" or not.

Nurturing and spreading the passion for STEM among female students

In addition to providing self-study courses, the Khan Academy Vietnam (KAV) program also regularly organises free online classes for the community on various STEM topics, including Mathematics, Digital Skills, and Programming. The "open" model of the class has connected countless female students with inspiring teachers who guide them further on their journey of self-discovery and conquering their passion for technology and engineering. Le Thanh Giang, a 7th-grade student at Van Quan Secondary School (Ha Dong District, Hanoi), often self-studies mathematics at Khan Academy and is an outstanding student of the "50 hours of programming with Azota experts" class organised by KAV and Azota this summer. The class has become an essential milestone in Giang's journey of exploring programming. Not only did she learn how to code, but Giang also understood more about programming thinking and how to solve problems. She enjoyed designing graphics for her games, writing code to control objects, and testing and debugging to ensure the games ran smoothly. "Thanks to the teacher's encouragement, I have my first successful programming project!" Each small project that takes shape is a solid step forward, pushing Giang further on her programming journey.

Being a member of the Khan Academy community for more than 3 years, Cai Bao Ngoc Han, a 6th-grade student at Hung Vuong Secondary School (Trang Bom District, Dong Nai), has participated in many open classes of the KAV program such as Vietnamese Math, English Math, and Programming. She is always eager to discover new knowledge about "numbers, commands, and rules" in these subjects. "I think the platform is truly a magical treasure trove! My favourite class is Mot Du Hanh because I learn math in English and review how to solve problems and practice English simultaneously." Ngoc Han is also a student who first came into contact with programming through KAV's free classes. From initial curiosity, Han can now independently program some simple drawings or games in her spare time. Han also invited her friends to form a group to study English math and programming together, sharing and guiding each other to progress. "I hope more girls will be confident with natural sciences because we can study well, especially when platforms like Khan Academy exist!"

Free online education has been and continues to promote gender equality in STEM, empowering female students to pursue their passions and aspirations. The stories of female students like Ngoc Han, Thao Thi Bla, Thanh Giang, and Thanh Huyen have proven that STEM is not a field reserved for any particular gender but a "land" for anyone with passion and effort.

And these female students are also igniting positive changes in the community and society as a whole. For Thao Thi Bla, it is the desire to guide her parents and relatives on information technology skills to improve life and "everyone faces fewer challenges." For Ngoc Han, it is a different perspective on STEM - STEM is not just a profession but also the necessary skills for other jobs. "You don't have to become a programmer to learn programming. Even teachers can prepare lessons more smartly by using codes."

The future of STEM is more promising than ever, where every child has the opportunity to develop their potential, regardless of gender or background. The steps of these female students today will contribute to shaping a more equitable, creative, and inspiring world for future generations.

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