On the second day of the Sujawal Youth STEAM Learning Festival, speakers underscored the crucial role of challenging patriarchal norms to achieve gender equality in education. Sidra Sadozai, during the session on ‘Super Women: Gender Gap in STEAM education SDG 4, 5 and Widening GPI’, emphasized the indispensable support of mothers in nurturing children’s talents, advocating for women’s participation across all spheres of life to foster inclusivity.
Makal Shah, a trailblazer in the development sector, shared her journey of breaking societal barriers despite facing stereotypes hindering her access to education. She stressed the importance of inclusive education to bridge the gender gap and create an environment conducive to learning for all genders.
Sonal Dhanani highlighted the impact of women’s leadership in schools on increasing girls’ enrollment and urged the government to update curricula for STEM learning. Kapil Dev praised Dr. Soomar Khoso’s work in a remote village but acknowledged challenges such as the lack of qualified teachers and security, advocating for increased female representation in decision-making roles.
Khushboo proposed strategies to overcome barriers to girls’ education in remote areas, emphasizing the need for government initiatives akin to polio vaccination campaigns. In a discussion on ‘jobs of tomorrow’, Hameed Dipali highlighted the absence of career counseling in schools and the disconnect between education and market demands, while Yaqub Pechi stressed the importance of fostering entrepreneurial growth among students.
Sidra Sadozai pointed out disparities in education access based on socioeconomic status and called for policy reforms to establish an inclusive education system. Raja Sharma discussed the challenges faced by recent graduates in securing employment and emphasized the importance of gaining practical experience.
Advocate Omer Gul Buriro moderated a discussion on UNCRC Articles, where children emphasized the need for responsive communication and parental support for their growth and learning.
