Latvian Girls’ Empowerment Program receives Funding Boost
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A critically important investment in the future of Latvian women is underway. The Ministry of Climate and Energy (KEM) is allocating €50,000 to the Ministry of Education and Science (IZM) to support the “Future Heroes” girls‘ entrepreneurship and leadership program,according to the Legal Acts portal. This initiative aims to equip young women with the skills and confidence to become future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Building on the success of the ”Superheroes” program, launched in Estonia in 2016 and rebranded as “Future Heroes Estonia” in 2019, the program expanded to Lithuania in 2021 and has been empowering Latvian girls since 2020. The program’s expansion highlights a growing commitment to gender equality and STEM education across the Baltic region.
The six-month program targets 14- to 17-year-old girls,providing them with invaluable leadership training and marketable skills. Participants will tackle real-world societal challenges, developing crucial civic engagement skills. “In it, 14- to 17-year-old girls develop leadership skills in six months, acquire skills required in the labor market, offer solutions to current problems of society, and develop civic skills,” explains a program spokesperson. The program also fosters intercultural dialog among young women from diverse backgrounds.
The curriculum is comprehensive, covering a range of essential topics. Workshops will focus on climate change, environmental issues, energy solutions, leadership strategies, business and product management, digital interaction and media literacy, and financial literacy. Fifty young women from across Latvia will participate, selected through a competitive application process that assesses motivation, prior social involvement, and English language proficiency, as the program is conducted in English.
The KEM will collaborate with the State Educational Content center to ensure the program’s effective implementation and high-quality content. The funding will be reallocated from the KEM’s “Industry Management and Policy Planning” budget program, demonstrating a commitment to investing in human capital as a key driver of economic growth and societal progress.
This initiative reflects a growing global trend of investing in girls’ education and empowerment, recognizing the crucial role women play in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future. The program’s success in Latvia could serve as a model for other countries seeking to address gender inequality in STEM and leadership roles.
Latvian Girls Get STEM boost: Empowering Future Leaders Through “Future Heroes”
Latvia is making a significant investment in the future of its young women by supporting the “Future Heroes” program,which aims to cultivate leadership and STEM skills in girls aged 14-17.We spoke with Dr. Ilze Jansone,a leading researcher in gender equality and STEM education at the University of Latvia,to understand the program’s impact and its broader implications.
The “Future Heroes” program: Origins and Impact
Senior Editor: Dr. Jansone, can you tell us about the origins of the ”Future Heroes” Program and its impact so far in Latvia?
dr. Jansone: Certainly.The ”Future Heroes” program originated in Estonia in 2016 under the name “Superheroes.” It expanded to Lithuania and Latvia in recent years, reflecting a growing regional commitment to STEM education for girls. in Latvia,the program has been incredibly successful.We’ve seen a positive increase in girls’ interest in STEM fields and a growing confidence in their abilities to pursue leadership roles.
Senior Editor: How does the program equip these young women with the necessary skills?
Dr. Jansone: The program’s six-month curriculum is truly complete. It covers everything from technical skills related to climate change, energy solutions, and digital literacy to essential soft skills like leadership, interaction, and team building.Participants work on real-world challenges, fostering civic engagement and problem-solving skills.
Senior Editor: Is the program inclusive?
Dr. Jansone: Absolutely. “Future Heroes” actively encourages participation from girls of diverse backgrounds. One of its key strengths is fostering intercultural dialog and creating a supportive community of young women who can learn and grow together.
Investing in Human Capital: A Long-Term Vision
Senior Editor: The Latvian Ministry of Climate and Energy is funding the program. What does this tell us about the government’s priorities?
Dr. Jansone: The fact that the funding comes from the Ministry of Climate and Energy is significant. It highlights the government’s understanding that investing in STEM education for girls is not just about social equality but also about driving innovation and addressing pressing global challenges like climate change.
Senior Editor: What are the broader implications of programs like “Future Heroes” for Latvia and beyond?
Dr.Jansone:
These programs are vital for creating a more equitable and lasting future. By empowering girls to pursue STEM careers and leadership roles, we are unlocking their full potential and contributing to a more diverse and innovative workforce. I believe “Future Heroes” can serve as a model for other countries striving to break down gender barriers in STEM and build a more inclusive society.
