What is WiSci South Asia & what is the role of the Youth Advisory Board?
Saundarya
“Women In Science or ‘WiSci’ Girls’ Camps are an opportunity for 100 secondary school girls from around the world to dive into STEAM subjects and develop their leadership skills, through expert STEM facilitators and STEMinists who provide a first-class curriculum, mentorship opportunities and skills training, in a safe, supportive, girl-centered and (best of all!) fun camp environment. 11 WiSci Camps have been held since 2015, and 2024 marks the first time that WiSci is coming to South Asia, as campers and counselors from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and the United States, converge in Kochi, India from 1-9 June.
True to WiSci’s spirit of youth and girl-centered leadership, the WiSci South Asia Youth Advisory Board, consisting of 10 South Asian girl leaders, plays a crucial role in facilitating various aspects of the camp; providing advice, ideas, insight, and feedback to ensure that the Camp’s activities and programming agenda are inclusive, contemporary and successful.”
What has been most surprising about this experience planning WiSci South Asia?
Tvisha
“Initially, I anticipated WiSci South Asia online meetings to be rigidly formal, expecting to mostly listen without much interaction. Yet, the reality surprised me pleasantly. The atmosphere was anything but formal; it was warm, personal, and intimate. What really blew my mind was how much we, the youth, were encouraged to take the lead. Connecting with everyone on a friendly level, I felt welcomed and valued. Every Monday, our voices mattered, our ideas were not only heard but actively embraced. This dynamic made planning WiSci South Asia exhilarating ,and honestly, it made me look forward to Mondays like never before!”
What can we expect from this WiSci Girls’ STEAM Camp?
Shanum
“This WiSci Girls’ STEAM Camp aims to uniquely balance STEAM education with advocacy, encouraging participants to be independent thinkers with endless curiosity. Aspiring to raise more questions than answers, we hope participants will apply their learning in their specific sociocultural contexts and actively question the status quo. And, as it has always been with WiSci Camps, we aim for our participants to be equipped with the essential tools and leadership skills for their quests towards a more equitable world where envisioning women in STEAM is no longer a distant notion but an everyday reality.”
What are 3 words to describe your experience planning WiSci South Asia?
Niyamat
“Immersive: The journey of planning the WiSci South Asia Camp has been thoroughly absorbing, beginning with our initial application and extending to every meeting we’ve been privileged to attend. We’ve been fully integrated into every aspect, from the minutest details to the most pivotal decisions.
Exhilarating: Working alongside these resilient and purpose-driven women has been a true privilege. Their ability to inspire and their seamless balance between personal and professional life is truly admirable. And the best part is they never fail to leave us smiling. It’s been more of a cuddly home, than an advisory board!
Reflective: Each session leaves us with much to learn and impart. The discussions encourage us to consider all perspectives and, as a team, reflect on what would best serve the campers. Our collective goal is to create an environment where every one of the 100 girls feels embraced and secure. By carefully reflecting on our thoughts and emotions regarding each topic, we’ve been able to make appropriate decisions.“
What are you most excited for the Campers to experience?
Anvi
“I am incredibly excited for the campers to dive into the rich diversity and cultural nuances that the WiSci South Asia Girls’ STEAM Camp will offer. This vibrant environment will bring together girls from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and the United States, each sharing their unique perspectives and experiences. This blend of cultures will create cross-cultural connections and broaden the horizons of every participant. The girls will have the chance to learn from one another, appreciate different traditions, and build a global network of friends.
What excites me even more is the Camp’s girl-centered approach, promising a supportive and empowering atmosphere. This environment will let each camper explore their interests in STEAM, develop leadership skills, and gain confidence in their abilities. Expert facilitators and mentors will guide them through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, making learning both fun and impactful. With a focus on creating a safe and inclusive space, every girl will feel valued and encouraged to express themselves freely. I can’t wait to see how this blend of cultural diversity and girl-centered support will spark a lifelong passion for STEAM and leadership!“
One lesson you’ve learned planning this Wisci Camp?
Sona
“I am so grateful that I am part of the Youth Advisory Board. I have met beautiful women who inspired me a lot. We are a group of women having distinct thoughts and beautiful perspectives. Due to my exams I can’t take part in the Camp, but indirectly we are deeply connected to girls coming to the Camp as we share the same motive. I literally wait for Monday’s meeting to catch up and plan for some activities.
This was a first-time experience for me. Every detail & activity of this Camp was so researched and I loved how minute things were taken care of. I gained some soft skills like leadership, team work, inventiveness, and flexibility. It boosted my self-confidence to speak more and to put my ideas into actions. Learning how to do something new can have many cognitive benefits. I want to thank this beautiful team and Girl Up & Girl Up India from the bottom of my heart. All the best to the Campers & Counselors!”
why is it important for more women to be in STEM?
Zayna
“Being a part of advisory boards that represent youth and women is seismic. But the great news is that there are still many untapped opportunities to explore within the field of STEM for women to be involved in. Increasing female representation will always strive to inspire future generations to not only notice the significant role women hold in STEM but to pursue STEM careers, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable workforce. Welcoming opportunities for young girls and women to be a part of STEM holds power in their influence to navigate local initiatives, international policies and global advancements. It will also remind society that it’s not just ‘seeing’ a woman on a platform that matters, it is the stories that she represents, the voices that she carries and the changes she will make which will continue to open doors for those following after her.”
To learn more about Girl Up’s WiSci Girls’ STEAM Camps, click here!
For more information about WiSci South Asia, click here!
If you’re unable to join WiSci South Asia, but would love to be involved with Girl Up’s STEM for Social Good programming, check out our *new* Step Up for STEM course here!
