#InvestInGirlhood

The lack of women in STEM, particularly in innovation fields like AI, engineering and cybersecurity, isn’t an accident. We are losing these future leaders to a belonging break where the cumulative weight of systemic bias, narrow stereotypes and a lack of guidance drive girls to opt-out of STEM. 

• The Identity Gap: By age six, girls begin internalizing that some parts of science and technology aren’t “for them”. This isn’t a lack of ambition, but an identity gap. When they don’t see themselves as the type of person who belongs in the fields driving innovation, they eventually opt out.
• The Information and Mentorship Gap: A lack of mentorship, representation in innovation fields and guidance regarding the consequences of dropping STEM courses in high school can permanently derail an innovation career before it even begins.
• The Digital Silencing: Hostile online environments are driving girls offline. If a girl is silenced at 14, she won’t be leading at 40.

Explore the reports providing insight into girls’ experiences, barriers to their ambitions and what their perceptions of STEM are right now. 

• The Pulse: Access our report Valuing STEM: Do Girls Think STEM Values What They Value? to learn more about the current state of girls’ interest and perceptions of STEM.
• The Risk: Learn how coordinated online attacks weaponize gender to sideline future leaders and impact society as a whole in this report on gendered disinformation or read our official press release.
• The Strategy: Find out what experts say about what girls are experiencing now and how we can ensure they are an equal part of Canada’s innovation future in our National Girls Program roundtable reports:
  • Empowering Girls in STEM: Insights for an Equitable Future
  • From Insight to Action: Building Collective Resilience for Girls in STEM
• The Programming: Find out how Actua engages girls through our National Girls Program.

We stop the opt-out before it starts.

Actua doesn’t wait for women and girls to fall out of the STEM talent pipeline. Through our programming and advocacy we: 

• Ensure girls see STEM as a core part of who they are
• Equip girls with the high-demand skills required to lead in the evolving digital economy
• Build AI and digital skills so girls can navigate online hostility and lead in an AI-driven future.
• Relentlessly work to break down the systemic barriers to STEM equity

Canada cannot afford to lose its most diverse talent. We must act now, before these girls are pushed out of the STEM talent pipeline. 

• Invest early: Fund programs that spark curiosity in elementary and high school to get ahead of the “STEM opt-out.” This means breaking down barriers to entry and ensuring every girl has access to vital digital and AI skills.
• Change the system: Advocate for policies that ensure girls have a protected, clear path into the innovation economy.
• Protect online spaces: Push for safer digital environments and digital literacy so that online hostility doesn’t silence tomorrow’s voices.
• Be a champion: Provide the mentorship and real-world guidance girls need to make informed decisions and build confidence to lead.