3. Communication, cooperation & tackling stereotypes
Module rationale
This module focuses on strengthening parents’ communication and cooperation practices, while raising awareness about gender stereotypes in STEM. It recognises that parents play a pivotal role, influencing their daughters’ confidence, motivation and persistence in STEM fields, as well as, contributing, even without knowing, to gender stereotypes.
Purpose of the module:
- to promote positive communication supporting inquiry-based learning
- encourage cooperation between parents and daughters in STEM related activities
- increase awareness of gender stereotypes and how they affect girls’ confidence
Learning Objectives
After completing this module, parents will be able to:
- Encourage open dialogue and cooperation with their daughters
- Use positive and supportive language that strengthens confidence and curiosity around learning
- Recognise and challenge gender stereotypes that may limit girls’ participation in STEM
- Share female role models from STEM fields.
Curriculum
- 6 Sections
- 14 Lessons
- Lifetime
- Background & key concepts1
- Why this matters for girls1
- Practical examples8
- Practical activities for parents & daughters3
- Take-home messages1
- Evaluation1
References
Awoniyi, O. A., & Jokotagba, O. (2025). Parental influence, career counselling and role models in girls’ STEM career choices: Evidence from three public universities in Ghana. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/392411834
I’m the Chef Too (2025). Hands-on STEM Activities for Kids: Spark Curiosity At Home
National Girls Collaborative Project (2022). 5 Ways to Counter STEM Stereotypes in Children and Youth.
Nurturing Skills (2017). STEM: Supporting young children’s learning rexperiences.
UNESCO (2017). Cracking the code: girls’ and women’s education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
UNICEF. (2022). How to Communicate Effectively with Your Young Child.
Aditional Resources
