IET joins forces with Stemettes to march across London’s Waterloo Bridge

The new survey, commissioned by Stemettes, found that 1 in 3 young people haven’t or don’t remember being taught about a woman scientist highlighting the need for better gender representation in the UK STEM curriculum. Waterloo Bridge is often referred to as the ‘Ladies Bridge’ due to the undocumented contribution of female construction workers at the time the bridge was rebuilt in the 1930s. Groups of young girls, women and non-binary people will come together on the bridge at 12:00 BST to walk over the iconic structure and take part in a reception at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Following the march, participants will hear from keynote speaker and CEO of Stemettes, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE and Dr Laura Norton, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the IET, about the systematic exclusion of women role models who continue to be erased and excluded from textbooks and lesson plans. 

Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE, Co-founder and CEO of Stemettes said: “Ten years of work has helped so many to make informed decisions about their futures – across our events, programmes and platforms we’re shifting the social norm on women and the STEM & STEAM fields.

I’m proud of the future we’re creating and what we’ve been able to achieve so far in partnership with industry, academia and entrepreneurs. Here’s to a maximum of 10 more years of work needed from Stemettes and a plethora of systemic changes to ensure this is a problem of the past.”

Dr Laura Norton, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the IET, said: “It’s hard to be what you can’t see which is why it’s so important to shine a spotlight on the incredible women who have changed our world for the better.

We have a responsibility and opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in STEM to eliminate damaging and misconceived stereotypes and show young people just how exciting, creative and life-changing working in this industry can be.” From Thursday 9 February through to October 2023, Stemettes will be celebrating its 10th birthday with a series of free public events and roundtable discussions in the North East, London and West Midlands.  

Stemettes has changed the lives of over 60,000 young women and non-binary people across the UK, Ireland, and parts of Europe over the past decade, and continues to provide free support to those who are curious in exploring and pursuing STEM pathways in sectors at the forefront of innovation. Even though the UK is in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis and families are struggling to find free ways to prepare their children for an uncertain future, Stemettes is proud to empower the next generation, no matter what their household income, educational background, or educational achievements are. To join the march, visit: Connect, Listen, Celebrate: Bridging the Gap - Waterloo Bridge (airtable.com)