Empowering Girls in STEM: Girls' Day 2024 in Tuzla
At BH Futures Foundation, we believe in a future where girls and women are at the forefront of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This year's Girls' Day, held in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was a powerful reminder of how far we have come—and how much further we can go. Girls' Day, originally launched in 2017 by Masterwerk GmbH, is a dynamic initiative that empowers young women to explore careers in technology, science, and engineering. Hosted by FITT - Foundation for Innovation, Technology and Transfer of Knowledge in partnership with the German Center for Robotics (DKR), the event this year attracted a large number of girls eager to learn about the possibilities awaiting them in these fields.
Breaking Gender Barriers in Technology
The event featured inspiring talks from prominent female leaders in technology and engineering, including Vanja Peters, Dragana Bošković, Tanja Madzarevic, and Merana Sadikovic Mandzukic. These role models shared their journeys and reminded participants that traditional gender roles have no place in a world driven by innovation. Their stories underscored an important message: the division of roles based on gender is a societal construct, and we must challenge it to create a more equitable and advanced society.
Tuzla was filled with excitement last week as over 200 young women came together for Girls' Day! Kim Kim Yee, Director of USAID BiH's Economic Development Office, opened the event, inspiring participants with words of encouragement.
Dieter Hansch, former COO of KUKA Systems (Germany), was also present, offering insights from his experience at the forefront of robotics. His participation highlighted the commitment to bridging gaps and ensuring that girls and women have access to the same opportunities as their male counterparts in the tech industry.
Special thanks to Muamer Babajic, founder of the FITT - Foundation for Innovation, Technology, and Transfer of Knowledge, and a valued member of our DiaLab Social Impact Network. We also extend our gratitude to Sumeja Kovačević Glibanović, Azra Gurdić Ribić, Emina Mujkic, Miralem Bulić, and Zlatka Grgic for their work!
BHFF Representative: Dragana Bošković
Although Dragana couldn’t attend in person due to unforeseen circumstances, she joined online to share her story and the challenges she faced throughout her education and professional journey. She added: “when addressing young, talented girls at the beginning of their paths, you always wonder – did you manage to convey the most important message? I hope we inspired them to believe in themselves and their dreams because there is no greater satisfaction than seeing them bravely overcome obstacles and shape their future."
What must be experienced in the educational process to achieve the first scientific discoveries? Dragana Bošković recently earned her doctorate from the Faculty of Agriculture in Novi Sad with the highest honors, and news of her success quickly spread across all media and social networks in the region. She completed her elementary education and high school at "Vaso Pelagić" in her hometown of Brčko, and then pursued her bachelor's and master's studies at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, in the field of Phytomedicine, achieving an average grade of 10.00. Alongside her master's studies, she began working as an editorial assistant at MDPI in Belgrade.
A Future without Limits
At BH Futures Foundation, we are incredibly proud to have contributed to this initiative. Girls' Day in Tuzla reinforces our belief that when young women are given the right opportunities and support, their potential is limitless.
The importance of programs like Girls' Day cannot be overstated. By encouraging girls to explore their talents in STEM fields, we are laying the foundation for a future where they take their rightful place in the world of technology and innovation.
To continue fostering the success of young women in STEM, we encourage talented and driven female students to apply for the Vera Šnajder Award. Named in honor of Bosnia and Herzegovina's pioneering female mathematician, this prestigious award celebrates excellence in STEM and is designed to support young women in reaching their full potential.
Moving Forward
Girls' Day is not just a one-time event but a movement that continues to grow every year. Since its inception, it has offered invaluable career guidance to young women, helping them carve their own paths in industries that have historically been male-dominated.
As we move forward, BH Futures Foundation remains committed to advancing initiatives like Girls' Day that amplify the voices of young women and open doors to endless possibilities.
Together, we are creating a brighter future—one where girls and women are empowered to thrive in STEM and beyond.
