Initially, the STEM is FEM education project was launched to encourage young schoolgirls to learn STEM disciplines. It was a step in to break gender inequity having a place in the IT sector for a long time. However, the STEM is FEM initiative has extended its objective to engage the project participants in the post-war reconstruction of devastated Ukrainian cities. Sergey Tokarev, the IT entrepreneur and initiator of STEM is FEM, shared the outcomes of implementing the educational course “Urbanism.”

Last year STEM is FEM received 4,000 applications to participate in activities promoting STEM disciplines among girls. Last year, the initiative launched the educational course “Urbanism” and developed a series based on it for the national platform Diia.Osvita. According to Sergey Tokarev, the project involved Ukrainian youth in urban planning and post-war reconstruction. The project team believes that engaging citizens of diverse genders, ages, and experiences brings more strength to restore the devastated Ukrainian cities.

“The team is actively working to ensure that as many citizens as possible gain knowledge about urban planning: understanding what our cities are like and what they can become, what aspects are worth preserving, and what needs improvement. With a significant task ahead in the post-war reconstruction of the country, it is crucial already now to engage the younger generation in restoring Ukrainian cities,” shares the investor.

Due to the course “Urbanism” which lasted over four months, 50 girls dived into the fundamentals of urban planning and architecture. They could develop their own projects to reconstruct public spaces in three war-torn Ukrainian cities: Ichnia, Trostyanets, and Okhtyrka.

Sergey Tokarev highlighted that these students presented their works in April 2023. The team of experts selected the top ten projects and offered to implement them on-site. Moreover, three of the course graduates underwent an internship at Urban Reform NGO. This allowed them to study the history of Okhtyrka, engage with the local community, and contribute to research for the city’s master plan development.

Afterwards, STEM is FEM has crafted an educational series “Urbanism,” initiated by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. The series is available on Diia.Education and consists of 17 episodes which explain different topics: a study of cities and responsible citizenship, post-war reconstruction, the shaping of public spaces, inclusivity, and innovative construction projects.

Later, in September 2023, STEM is FEM, conducted an educational module “Light Industry” in collaboration with the women’s lingerie brand brabrabra. Together with the online media Speka, the project has launched “Science: Women’s Voices,” a podcast about female researchers. In its episodes, the hosts and invited expert guests discuss notable female scientists and dive into their professional and personal journeys.

Sergey Tokarev believes that technological progress is only possible through a diversity of perspectives and experiences. Therefore, it is vital to create a tech environment conducive to women.