How does the UK aim to address gender disparities in ASEAN STEM fields?

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UK Initiatives to Tackle Gender Disparities in ASEAN STEM Education and Careers

The United Kingdom is addressing gender disparities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields across ASEAN countries and Timor-Leste through the ASEAN-UK Supporting the Advancement of Girls' Education (SAGE) Programme. This comprehensive five-year initiative, funded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) with up to GBP 30 million, aims to improve foundational learning outcomes, increase access to education for girls and marginalized groups, and dismantle gender barriers to digital skills and employment. A key component of this programme is the newly launched ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships, which provides fully funded master's degrees in the UK for outstanding women in the region.
First Cohort of Women in STEM Scholars Selected

Ten exceptional women have been chosen as the inaugural recipients of the ASEAN-UK SAGE Women in STEM Scholarships. These scholars, hailing from various ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste, will pursue master's degrees at the University of Warwick and Imperial College London, commencing in September 2024. The selection process was highly competitive, attracting hundreds of applicants, underscoring a shared passion for advancing STEM fields where women are historically underrepresented, with global figures indicating women constitute only 29.2% of the STEM workforce.
SAGE Programme's Multifaceted Approach to Education

The broader ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme, running from 2023 to 2028, is designed to deliver tangible improvements in education across the region. Its strategic workstreams focus on addressing the foundational learning crisis, ensuring out-of-school girls and marginalized groups gain access to educational opportunities, and breaking down gender-specific obstacles that hinder the development of digital skills and subsequent employment. The programme is committed to providing evidence-based technical guidance to key regional bodies, including the ASEAN Secretariat and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), to foster the creation of effective policies and programmes.
Collaborative Effort in Scholarship Development and Funding

These scholarships were developed by the British Council, which serves as the lead implementation partner for the ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme. The initiative is financially supported by the UK Government, demonstrating a significant commitment to gender equality and female empowerment within STEM sectors. This collaborative effort aligns with regional and international development goals, including the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint 2025 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 10, and 17, reinforcing engagement between UK and ASEAN educational institutions.

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How does the UK aim to address gender disparities in ASEAN STEM fields?

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