Emma Watson has been spearheading campaigns for gender equality, awareness and strong female leadership for a while now, so it would come as no surprise that her initiative to empower women in male-dominated fields is next on her agenda.
Now, Watson is taking her ‘He For She’ campaign to the Canadian University of Waterloo where she will be backing a scholarship program for women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
The University of Waterloo HeForShe IMPACT Scholarship will give six female STEM students, over the next four years, the ability to receive a $12,000 funding package to help them achieve their dreams.
Waterloo University will be one of 10 institutions that will be involved in the HeForShe’s IMPACT initiative – which hopes to boost numbers in female enrolment to 33 percent by 2020.
“With these scholarships, we have the chance to establish greater gender balance in STEM fields, ensuring that women offer relevant skills to future employers and have a solid path to both academic leadership positions and creative scientific careers,” said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, executive director of UN Women.
Watson also echoed Mlambo-Ngcuka’s sentiments by stating:
“I’m so inspired by the University of Waterloo’s efforts to achieve gender equality in our lifetimes. Their commitment to women in STEM is unparalleled. This scholarship programme is a perfect example of how the HeForShe movement is generating tangible change around the world.”
Do you work in a male-dominated field? Would you like to see this program in your local university?
