University of Twente Welcomes Young Women for Science and Technology Exploration

On Thursday, the University of Twente (UT) hosted a special event for 103 female students from Bonhoeffer College, Stedelijk Lyceum Kottepark Enschede, Montessori Hengelo, and Thorbecke College in Zwolle. The event aimed to inspire younger generations to consider careers in the fields of science and technology.

Promoting Positive Role Models

Machteld Roos, the Vice-President of the Executive Board at UT, and Sterre Mkatini, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, emphasized the crucial need for young women to encounter role models in technology. According to Mkatini, many girls hold traditional views of technology careers, often perceiving them as physically demanding and limited to construction. The initiative seeks to reshape these perceptions.

A Day of Discovery

The event, organized by an all-female team, began with opening remarks by Roos and Mkatini. Following the introduction, the attendees participated in engaging workshops, including “From Idea to Design” and “The Power of Bridges.” This hands-on approach allowed the girls to explore scientific concepts in an interactive manner.

Post-lunch activities featured guided campus tours and a series of stimulating lectures covering topics such as “The Physics of Melting” and “Electricity in the Residential Area.” The girls also participated in fun experiments like “Making Bubble Tea,” showcasing the enjoyable aspects of scientific exploration.

Planting the Seeds of Interest

The primary objective of the day was to ignite interest in science among the participants. Vosskühler-Van der Tuin noted the importance of providing a positive experience and stated, “Maybe they like it more than they first thought and we have planted a seed for a future in technology.” Even if some girls decide against pursuing a career in these fields, gaining a better understanding of technology is a valuable outcome.

Future Impact and Monitoring Progress

Determining the long-term effects of such initiatives on enrollment at UT remains challenging. Vosskühler-Van der Tuin explained, “This is only the third time we do this, so the first cohort of pupils has not yet finished secondary school.” She underscored the need for ongoing tracking and engagement with participants as they approach their career decisions to see if they contemplate studying science or technology.