Understanding the root causes of attitudes and beliefs is the first step to effectively begin the change process. To encourage more women to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) the society needs to address stereotyping about women’s abilities in these fields.

Recent studies note that gender stereotyping can affect the educational choices of girls early on, which later, limits their professional participation in a field, like STEM, that offers excellent opportunities for employment and personal growth. To help improve this, PPSE recently signed an agreement with NGO Qendra LEAP. LEAP will conduct a study “Gender stereotypes and educational choices in Kosovo”. The study will be an additional contribution to enhancing the gender perspective in the human resources available for STEM in Kosovo.

The study also seeks to contribute to the debate about women’s role and participation in the labor market, support the Ministry of Education, local authorities and donors to develop specific strategies to address the issue of women’s underrepresentation in STEM, and raise overall awareness of cultural and traditional dimensions of this phenomenon.