The rates of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic), including IT (Information Technology) and Engineering courses are very low in Brazil. The Meninas Digitais – UFSC (Digital Girls) project proposes to minimize the gender gap in the technology and computing workforce. It try to demystify these areas. The Meninas Digitais project encourages women students to pursue technology classes, degrees, and careers.

The project recruits undergraduate students, from STEM courses, (most of them girls) to work with high school girls and K-12 girls. These girls are motivated to participate in activities, events and workshops related to STEM in Araranguá and nearby cities.

The activities include: (i) workshops on robotics, electronics, software development, games development, 3D printer, etc., to increase female involvement in the development of ICT solutions; (ii) keynote tech talks with women engineers from local enterprises, to give girls a sense of what engineers do, to encourage then to purse STEM careers; (iii) discuss myths and effective practices related to girls in IT, to create a community of girls who can change their lives and their communities. The workshops provided a valuable environment to begin collaborative efforts to improve girls’ participation in information technology.

Meninas Digitais – UFSC provides girls with more opportunities to understand the work of engineers therefore helping them when they are making decisions about their future in engineering/technology areas. The project provides a positive reinforcement tool for retention undergraduate girls at University and stimulates a culture change.

http://meninas.sbc.org.br/index.php/portfolio/meninas-digitais-ufsc/

• Araranguá & nearby cities, Brazil

• Youth
• Women

Yes, many people from different Brazilian regions contact with us asking for more information about how to replicate the project. We provide videos, materials, and knowhow.

he Meninas Digitais – UFSC (Digital Girls) project proposes to minimize the gender gap in the technology and computing workforce.