Bridging the Gender Gap in STEM with Mobile Technology

This study examined the potential of the W-STEM mobile app to inspire and motivate more young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Developed within the Erasmus+ project "Building the future of Latin America: engaging women into STEM," the W-STEM application collects testimonies and life trajectories of outstanding and successful women in various STEM areas, presenting them as role models of easy access. Through in-depth interviews, invaluable insights were gained into the motivations, achievements, recommendations, and experiences these outstanding STEM women shared. Analysis of these testimonials revealed inspiring messages and critical lessons that can encourage the involvement of the next generation of women in traditionally male-dominated STEM disciplines. By leveraging the ubiquity of mobile devices, the W-STEM app provides unprecedented access to female role models in STEM, demystifying stereotypes and encouraging more young women to pursue paths in these fields. With its focus on providing inspiration, guidance, and resources in an accessible and engaging way, W-STEM represents a powerful technological tool that promotes gender equity and female participation in STEM fields. As of May 17, 2024, the application has garnered 16,275 views across 344 videos, averaging 47.28 views per video. These metrics highlight the app’s significant reach and engagement, underscoring its potential impact in providing accessible female STEM role models to a broad audience and encouraging more young women to explore and succeed in STEM careers.