Tag: girls

St George’s School hosts Women in Computing event

St George’s School invited girls from 12 state and private schools across Edinburgh* to an event yesterday (Wednesday 11 December), Women in Computing, aimed to inspire, motivate and empower females from P6 upwards to take their first steps towards a future in computing and technology.

The event was opened and attended by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth MSP.

A collaborative event, business leaders, former St George’s alumnae, and educators were brought together to provide a hands-on learning experience. There were keynote speeches, live panel discussions, Q&A sessions and interactive workshops, with students immersing themselves in cutting-edge technologies across fields like robotics, programming, AI, VR, and cybersecurity.

The mission of the event was to enthuse and empower girls, and highlight the range of careers available in technology, from leading, innovating to coding. The event featured successful women in the field, demonstrating to students that “if you can see it, you can be it.” Surrounded by role models, attendees saw first-hand what is possible.

With an impressive line-up, girls met and interacted with leaders shaping the future of tech, from companies like i-confidential, AND Digital, Storm ID, Smart Data Foundry, Global Logic, MoneyMatiX, Free Agent, Skyscanner and Turing Fest. There were also innovative demos and interactive games from real robots from the Robotics Lab at the University of Edinburgh, the National Robotarium, APRIL Hub and FCLabs. Girls learnt to code with dedicated coding sessions by Rewriting the Code, Amazon and dressCode.

Fields traditionally underrepresented by women, there is an ongoing crisis in computing science education across Scotland, with a recent report by Reform Scotland revealing that 66 secondary schools lack a dedicated teacher and only one in five girls take up higher computing science. 

Data from dressCode, a Scottish charitable organisation that aspire to make a dent in the computing science gender gap, underscores the gravity of the situation by revealing that there has been a 25% decline in computing science teachers over the past 15 years, and that 50% of girls would consider studying computing science if they had more role models and encouragement. 

It is vital now more than ever to encourage young women into this crucial field.

Rebecca, a P6 pupil from St George’s, said: “There were lots of interesting events today, and I’ve learned new things about robotics and areas of technology that I’ve never thought about before.

“It was also a great opportunity to meet other schools, make friends, and hear about the exciting robots.”

Charlotte, a P7 pupil from Blackhall Primary, said: “The entire audience was girls! It was great to learn more about science today, and the robots were so fun and cool.

“It was inspiring to see female role models and women doing these roles. I learned that in these jobs, not everything works the first time so you have to do lots of trial and error and try new things.”

Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth said: “We want all young people to be enthused by the wonder of STEM, and initiatives like Women in Computing help inspire girls and young women to consider the advantages of studying or pursuing a career in tech, which has been traditionally dominated by boys and young men.

“Positive role models can be extremely powerful in helping guide young people in their subject choices, which is why we are funding Scottish Teachers Advancing Computing Science (STACS) to support teachers in engaging, nurturing and inspiring the next generation of talent in their classroom.

“Women in Computing provides girls and young women from Edinburgh schools with a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience of what computing can offer them, and I was excited to meet pupils, teachers and exhibitors.”

Carol Chandler-Thompson, Head of St George’s School, said: “It was important for us to open up our Women in Computing event to other girls in Edinburgh.

“As well as there being a significant gender gap in computing, there is sadly also a lack of access to computing education in many schools. Over 32,000 students1 in Scottish secondary schools have no access to a qualified Computing Science teacher, and we know the issue is worse in areas with higher levels of deprivation. 

“All of us at St George’s want to make a difference and play a role in reversing these trends by creating an environment that fosters girls’ interest in, and access to, technology. We were delighted to welcome brilliant speakers, exhibitors and pupils from across Edinburgh to our school.”

Toni Scullion, Founder of dressCode and Computing Science Scotland, said: “It was an honour for dressCode to be partnering with St George’s on this event, and the Scottish Teachers Advancing Computing Science group were equally proud to be supporting the day.

“Compared to other traditional STEM subjects, Computing Science has the largest gender gap and faces many challenges, a situation that has persisted for over a decade and unfortunately still does.

“While there has been some progress in overall uptake, including an increase in female participation, the progress is minimal. While this progress should be recognised, it is crucial that we avoid becoming complacent.”

Blessing Adogame, UK Community Development Manager at Rewriting the Code, said: “Rewriting the Code was really excited to support what was an incredible event at St. George’s.

“With girls comprising only one in five entries to Higher Computing Science in Scotland, we are committed to closing the gender gap and are bringing members from our community to provide vital representation and share their journeys to inspire more young women to see themselves in the tech industry.”

The full programme is available here.

Future Asset competition encourages schoolgirls across Scotland to tackle gender disparity in financial services

Now in its fifth year, the Growing Future Assets Investment Competition challenges 13-18-year-old schoolgirls in Scotland to become investment whiz kids by identifying and pitching a company with great investment potential.

Teenage girls in Scotland can register for the competition now and are in with a chance to win prizes of up to £1000 for their school and up to £200 in vouchers per student.

Until recently, there were more men named Dave working as UK fund managers than women in total. Today, only 12% of UK fund managers are women. Future Asset aims to close the gender gap in this sector, empowering teenage girls across the country by teaching them the skills they need to consider a career in investment management.

Scotland is the 2nd largest financial hub in the UK after London, yet a poll commissioned by Scottish Financial Enterprise found that almost 60% of 16-24-year-olds were unlikely to consider a career in financial services, while just under a quarter (23%) of people in Scotland do not believe financial services represents an attractive or secure career for young people.

Another study reveals that many women lack confidence around investing, with one quarter stating that they don’t know what to invest in, and 19% saying they don’t know how to invest.

However, there is clear evidence the sector would benefit from eliminating gender disparity. Analysis by Fidelity Investments found that on average women’s holding outperformed men’s annually by 0.40 percentage points.

Spaces in the competition are in high demand both in and outside the central belt. 110 teams competed last year from 30 out of 32 council areas of Scotland. Since inception in 2020, over 1800 students across the country have taken part.

Successful applicants will take part in a “Dragons’ Den” style competition over 10 weeks, which allows them to experience the role of an investment manager.

Competing teams each work with a professional “Competition Coach” – volunteer investment professionals from leading firms such as Martin Currie, Baillie Gifford and Stewart Investors who coach teams online and in person – to learn how to pitch a company with great investment potential.

Jen Mair, Chair of Future Asset and CEO of Martin Currie Investment Management, said: “Careers in finance can be rewarding, creative and lucrative, and we remain committed to eliminating gender disparity in this sector so that anyone can consider working in investment.

“In the last half-decade, it has been inspiring and encouraging to see girls from every corner of the country take advantage of the competition and the resources we have to offer, and we look forward to seeing them enjoy successful careers in the industry It’s clear that diversifying the financial workforce brings many benefits for all, and while there is still much work to be done,

“I believe the future of the investment sector looks very bright.”

Registration for the competition closes on 6 September 2024.

Competition Kick Off  workshops take place in August and September in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness, and the competition deadline is on Friday 29 November 2024, with winners announced on Friday 07 March.

Period Products Act comes into force

Legal right to access free period products in Scotland

Scotland is to become the first country in the world to protect in law the right to access free period products.

Councils and education providers will be legally required to make period products available free of charge to anyone who needs them when the Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Act comes into force tomorrow (Monday 15 August).

Since 2017, the Scottish Government has invested more than £27 million to fund access in a range of public settings and the new law will cement this progress.

Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison said: “Providing access to free period products is fundamental to equality and dignity, and removes the financial barriers to accessing them.

“This is more important than ever at a time when people are making difficult choices due to the cost of living crisis and we never want anyone to be in a position where they cannot access period products.

“Since 2018, we have delivered ground-breaking action by providing free period products for pupils and students in all our schools, colleges and universities. We are proud to be the first national government in the world to take such action.

“The work we are doing in Scotland continues to be world leading, going goes beyond provision of free products. We have also provided funding for an educational website for employers, run a successful anti-stigma campaign, and improved menstrual health resources available for schools.

“I’m grateful to all the young women and girls who have been crucial in developing the best ways to access products to meet their needs.”

People can find their nearest collection point through the PickupMyPeriod mobile app which was launched earlier this year by social enterprise Hey Girls with Scottish Government support.

Celia Hodson, founder of Hey Girls, said: “The Period Product Act shows Scotland is leading the way in recognising that period products are not a luxury and should be freely available to all.

“Through our PickupMyPeriod app, we work to ensure no-one in Scotland is left without access to period products and are well on the way to achieving that with more than 1,000 locations highlighted to users.

“We hope the Act will help those in need and that our app will be of support to many more as our network continues to grow.”

SHE Scotland SQA Mentoring Award

Please see the new flyer for the forthcoming SHE Mentoring SQA Award in partnership with Edinburgh College starting in August 22. 

This course is perfect for anyone starting their journey in working with communities, youth work and is particularly beneficial to developing skills to support others. Can also add to existing skills or as a refresher.   The course is a mixed gender group and will aim to be 12-14max participants.  Support for childcare and travel costs will be provided by Edinburgh College.

There is a small application to be completed. Please contact either Lauren or Lynn to find out more.

Please share with your staff, volunteers and community.

Karen

SHEscotland@outlook.com

SHE Scotland to hold Funders & Partners event

We are looking for like minded business, community groups, school leaders and charity owners to join us for our funders and partners night so we can work together to provide more opportunities for girls and young women.

This evening is a great opportunity for networking and explore potential synergies with other local groups.

The evening will be held on Thursday 26th May from 6-8pm in our space at 525 Ferry Road, EH5 2FF and will include talks from our members at SHE Scotland so you can find out more about what we do and how you can help us provide more opportunities for girls and young women.

This is a great opportunity for networking and we would love to see like minded business, community groups, school leaders and charity owners attend so please do spread this invite far and wide!

If you would like to come along, please do RSVP via the link below! We hope to see you there!

shescotland@outlook.com

.

Samba queen hangs up her whistle

AFTER 30 years pioneering the women’s Samba movement in Scotland, Beat That’s musical director, Erin Scrutton, is hanging up her whistle.

One of Scotland’s longest-running Samba bands, Beat That, is winding up too, going out with a bang at COP26 on Saturday 6 November 2021, playing in the parade for the Extinction Rebellion campaigners.

CALL TO SAMBA SISTERS


Beat That is putting out a call to women Samba players, past and present, to join in the finale celebrations at COP26. Samba sisters are invited to sign up on the band’s team site (https://teamer.net/p/fbWeZgnIPx7Zslron) to join in.

They will be sent music files to listen to and will be invited to join rehearsals in Stirling in October in preparation for the COP26 parade on 6 November.

Banging the drum for 30 years

Popular with programmers and gig organisers across Scotland, Beat That regularly led the annual Glasgow Style Mile Christmas Parade and played at the Merchant City and West End festivals. They have been stalwarts at Paisley’s Sma’ Shot and Hallowe’en festivals – always game for a dress-up.

Back home, in Stirling, each year Beat That took to the stage and streets in Stirling for events like Reclaim the Night to Hogmanay celebrations.

They’ve performed at festivals in Dublin, Berlin, London, Liverpool, Amsterdam, Italy and Spain.

A key part of the women’s movement and an expression of feminism, women’s Samba bands have featured in many International Women’s Day celebrations over the decades. To celebrate 100 Years of International Women’s Day, Erin led the drumming for an event called HumDrum when 70 women came together to sing and drum on the steps of Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, part of the Scottish Wave of Change.

Making a noise for women and LGBTQ+ rights

Erin, and women’s Samba bands, have played a key role in promoting the Pride movement in Scotland and abroad, celebrating LGBTQ+ people. Erin led She Boom, Scotland’s first women’s Samba band, opening the Stonewall celebrations at the Royal Albert Hall, sharing the bill with Elton John and George Michael.

Erin and drummers attended the Stonewall 25th anniversary celebrations in New York.

Beat That’s last foreign foray was leading the first Pride festival in Manilva in 2019 and they were booked to return when Lockdown hit and live events were put on ice in 2020. Beat That continued to play together right throughout Lockdown, keeping spirits high with a weekly practice for the two dozen women from central Scotland on Zoom.

A leader in her field

Erin led, kicked-off, composed music for and coached the leaders of women’s bands in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Fife, Aberdeen, Irvine, Dumfries and Stirling.

Erin Scrutton Samba leader

Over the years, Erin studied percussion in Brazil, Cuba, Salvador. A skilled player and composer, she has performed with Jools Holland, The Pet Shop Boys and Horse. She has taught thousands of beginners in community and corporate workshops and been a guest tutor for groups from the Isle of Wight to Ireland and Wales.

She has been MD with Stirling-based Beat That for 30 years and in that role has taught scores of women who have become part of the Beat That family and performed at festivals, parades and gigs from Belladrum to Berlin, Ireland to Italy.

Says Jenn Pow, the community group’s chair: “We were lucky to keep Erin as our leader for 30 years. She’s been a field-leader and built a career as a samba drummer when no such thing existed. We feel privileged that she stayed loyal to our group all these years.

“Erin is an amazing teacher – a patient and kind soul. Many of us would never have lasted this long without her. Being in the band has been one of the best things in my life.

“We’re a strong tribe and we’ve grown together, supporting each other through major milestones and life’s ups and downs. We’ve gone through births and deaths together… and many a party night. With Erin calling time, it just felt like the right time to hang up our sticks and wind up the group. It’s been a blast and I’ve made friends for life.”

Recognition and legacy

Erin has a shelf dedicated to her as part of Glasgow Women’s Library’s Women on the Shelf project, recognising all she has done to ignite the women’s drumming movement in Scotland.

Film-maker, Dianne Barrie, has been commissioned by the band to document the COP26 finale and capture stories that recall the essence of the 30 year wave of change.

The band is talking to Macrobert Arts Centre about how they might plug a gap and provide drumming classes going forward, to meet the creative, social and political desires of local women. The band is prepared to donate all its kit and Erin is prepared to donate all her compositions and music files to support passing on a legacy.