Background

Today, gender empowerment is definitely a very widely discussed goal, but even then, many girls from socioeconomically marginalized communities in India continue to face hurdles when it comes to accessing quality science-based education. These challenges come from struggles with poverty, gender-based expectations and social pressures like household responsibilities and early marriage; as well as a general lack of infrastructure and support. In rural areas especially, schools often lack female teachers, science labs and/or friendly senior mentors which make it all the more difficult for girls to stay in school. 

Furthermore, stereotypes around science being a “boy’s subject” reduces the confidence and interest they have in STEM. This deep-rooted issue doesn’t just limit academic success but also overall imagination, aspiration and opportunity. Without guidance and practical exposures, so many bright young girls are never given the chance to discover their potential in science. 

Project IGNITE was launched to address exactly this. Through a holistic approach that targets multiple elements focused on introducing fundamental STEM and sustainability related concepts, interacting with young student recipients and providing them with the empowerment and tools they need; this humble initiative hopes to encourage girls from underserved communities in engaging with science in ways that are both practical and empowering so no child, irrespective of gender, is left behind in growing to be confident and future-ready changemakers.