Countdown star’s Waterloo march for women in STEM
Former Channel 4 Countdown maths whizz Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon is to raise awareness of women in science with a rally next week.
Dr Imafadon is a computer scientist who 10 years ago co-founded a social enterprise promoting women in science – the Stemettes group.
It champions the work of women in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) – a domain often wrongly seen as an exclusive preserve of men, she believes.
The Stemettes and its supporters will gather and walk across Waterloo Bridge on Monday.
Their contention is that one in three young people don’t remember being taught about a woman scientist in the past two years and that two-thirds of teenagers were keen to see the work of women STEM specialists highlighted in their curriculum.
Waterloo Bridge has been chosen as the venue because of the part played by female construction workers at the time the bridge was rebuilt in the 1930s.
Scores of supporters are expected to walk over the iconic structure and take part in a reception at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Participants will hear from Dr Imafidion, who is chief executive of Stemettes, and Dr Laura Norton, head of equality, diversity and inclusion at the Institute of Engineering and Technolgy.
Dr Imafidon said: “Ten years of work has helped so many to make informed decisions about their futures – across our events, programmes and platforms we’re shifting the social norm on women and the STEM field.
“I’m proud of the future we’re creating and what we’ve been able to achieve so far in partnership with industry, academia and entrepreneurs.”
Hannah Russell, chief executive of the British Science Association, said: “All young people, especially those who are traditionally underrepresented in science such as girls, should be given the opportunity to learn about the diverse people and careers in STEM.
“This will help to challenge unhelpful stereotypes, raise young people’s STEM aspirations and show them that science is for everyone.”
Pictured top: Anne-Marie Imafidon (Picture: Sam and Sam Photography 2022)