Tashkent Schoolgirls Participate in the “STEM4Her” Educational Program Supported by the EU

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Around 30 high school students from School No. 242 took part in the educational event “STEM4Her”, held at the Turin Polytechnic University in Tashkent.

The initiative was implemented with the support of the European Union as part of the campaign “EU–Uzbekistan: Sustainable Energy Days”.

School No. 242 was chosen for participation due to its recognition in 2023 as the most energy-efficient school in Tashkent by the EU. The event aimed to promote STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) among youth, especially girls, and to introduce participants to careers in the clean energy sector.

According to the State Statistics Agency, in 2021 the share of girls choosing STEM fields reached 40.2%, yet women remain underrepresented in the energy sector — making up only 12% of the workforce.

In his welcoming speech, Christos Marazopoulos, Head of the Cooperation Department of the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, emphasized the importance of the initiative:

“Education and opportunities for girls in STEM open the path to sustainable development and a green, innovative future. The EU supports projects that inspire girls to pursue careers traditionally dominated by men and to bring fresh perspectives to science and energy.”

During the event, participants toured modern laboratories and classrooms at the university, gained hands-on experience in scientific research and innovation, and took part in an interactive session with successful women professionals, university leadership, and students, discussing their experiences in advancing sustainable energy and science in Uzbekistan.

The event concluded with a quiz, allowing students to consolidate their knowledge in an engaging, game-based format.

Following the main program, participants attended the opening of a photo exhibition, “European Union – Uzbekistan: Faces of Cooperation in Sustainable Energy Development,” featuring portraits of individuals contributing significantly to the energy transition in Central Asian countries.

Additionally, an award ceremony recognized winners of the regional journalism competition “Energy Transition for a Better Future”, held from April 15 to May 14, 2025. Among the honorees were Doniyor Tuhsinov (Kun.uz), who won third place, and Aizada Amangeldiyeva (Anhor.uz), who received a special jury diploma.

The campaign “EU–Uzbekistan: Sustainable Energy Days” and related activities are organized under the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connections in Central Asia (SECCA)”, highlighting the importance of education, women’s participation in STEM, and the promotion of sustainable development in the region.