The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programme taking place in October 2022 in partnership with Scifest Africa aims to inspire young women from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and provide sustainable learning and development opportunities. This is the second programme that H&M Group will initiate towards the mission of leveling the STEAM playing field.
Due to the rapid technological advancements, the STEAM fields are taking a bigger role in society and businesses. To ensure future innovations and technologies are inclusive, representation and diversity becomes even more important. Bridging the gender gap in the STEAM fields is a crucial way for girls and women to expand their employment opportunities and businesses can take equitable actions and measures to contribute to positive change. As a fashion and tech company with global visibility and influence, H&M can make an impact and amplify the need for diversity in STEAM fields.
H&M together with Scifest Africa will share knowledge and information through this initiative with communities to empower underrepresented youth to pursue education and careers in STEAM. The two-day initiative is a fun programme for these young students to learn about the possibilities within STEAM and fashion as well as get hands-on experience in solving real-life problems.
“The STEAM programme is an initiative we are proud to present in partnership with Scifest Africa. One of our core missions as a brand is to always drive local representation and diversity whilst uplifting the communities that we operate in. As a company that operates with data, science, and technology daily, this is a perfect opportunity for us to empower our future leaders” says Caroline Nelson, Country Manager, H&M South Africa
Scifest Africa, South Africa’s National Science Festival, was established in 1996 to promote public awareness, appreciation, and understanding of science, technology, and innovation. For the last 26 years, Scifest Africa has been educating and enlightening its audiences, offering a crucial doorway into the world of STEAM for young people from across the country. Scifest Africa continues to contribute to South Africa’s ongoing efforts to create a science-literate society.
“We are honored to have partnered with H&M on this journey to launch their first STEAM program in the country. We have a long-standing history of providing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workshops in the country and addressing the skill gap that we are currently facing in the country. With the partnership with H&M we can add Art into the programme and open the possibilities of what is possible in those fields” says Monica Newton, National Arts Festival & Grahamstown Foundation
In addition to the STEAM initiative, a three-month mentoring programme will foster the professional and personal development of selected mentees; and seek to inspire participants while developing a range of skills including soft skills, insight into industry trends, and continuous exposure to “future skills.” The mentoring programme will include one-on-one sessions on key topics with mentors from H&M South Africa selected for their expertise or experience in each field.
