Inspiring Young Women in STEAM

Celebrating their 10 year run, the event was facilitated by the STEMettes group, an award-winning social enterprise working across the UK & Ireland who promote STEAM education for girls, young women, and non-binary individuals, and featured a wide range of activities and learning opportunities throughout the day.

Local teachers from London schools were encouraged to bring their young women and non-binary students aged 12-16 to the event to network with STEAM role models, help grow their confidence, and learn from experts.

After the participants arrived to a warm welcome from the the STEMettes team, Performance Specialist Ish Rihal delivered an inspiring keynote address, emphasising the event's core theme of STEAM education. Ish helped organise the event as part of her application for our Ambassadors for Good programme, and also volunteers as the Head of Communications for our Women’s Society.

To cater to the wide age range, participants were divided into two groups for the day’s activities. The younger group took part in a creative meal plan activity, as well as designing necklaces and pricing jewels and diamonds. The older group listened to various talks on STEM topics which were tailored to their preferences and featured volunteer experts.

Everyone then got the opportunity to join a diamond tour, offering them the chance to explore De Beer’s world of gemstones in a hands-on activity.

As the afternoon arrived, the juniors headed home, while the older participants took part in a round of speed networking, so they could meet volunteers and ask them about their job roles, daily routines, and educational backgrounds, furthering their understanding of STEAM careers.

The last activity of the day was a panel discussion featuring three panellists: CIO De Beers Group, Debbie Vermaak; Acting Head of Executive Renumeration, Catherine Thomas; and Employment Tax Principal, Sarah Barham. The STEMette team facilitated the discussion while the panelists shared insights into their careers and personal journeys. 

This was followed by an interactive Q&A session that gave participants a chance to directly engage with the panellist experts.

Speaking about the discussion, Debbie commented, 

“I really enjoyed the questions we received from the STEMettes group. It reminded me of my passion – sharing knowledge and experience to help create an excitement I still have for IT after many years.

“I was asked about Generative AI in De Beers which was so appropriate considering the times we are in, and it shows me that young people are curious about the future… I do feel we gain a lot from interacting with the future generations of STEM as we see the world through their eyes.”

Kay, aged 17, and one of the event participants, said, “It was very helpful, and I learned a lot, not just about specific professions, but about what’s available and getting into something you would enjoy… it was good to receive wisdom from professionals about that. 

"I found it wonderful to learn more about the guests’ journeys to where they are and how they had to face different challenges. It just further solidified the fact that everyone's journey is different, and, in the end, it can work out.” 

“I think that it was focused really well about us and what we want to be in the future, and we received great advice. I most enjoyed getting the chance to talk to others within the STEM field and learning a lot more about what Anglo American do as a mining company,” commented another girl who attended the event.

The STEMettes' event was an overall success, managing to inspire and educate all those in attendance with its broad range of activities and learning opportunities, leaving participants motivated and keen to explore STEAM-related fields. 

The event also showcased our commitment to collaborating with groups like the STEMettes to help promote diversity and inclusion in STEAM, looking forward to a better future for the next generation of women in these important fields.