To inspire and motivate girls, already during their school years, to focus on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and consider a career in science and innovation, the Latvian Patent Office (LPO), in cooperation with the European Patent Office (EPO), organised Girls' Day in Riga on Thursday, 16 April. The aim of the event was to show school-age girls through inspiring stories that science and technology are not complicated fields and that even the simplest solutions can change everyday lives of many people.
Girls’ Day is an annual international inspiration event organised by the EPO, taking place in mid‑April and bringing together several hundred girls in various cities across Western Europe to encourage girls to think about their future careers in STEM. In Latvia, the event was held for the first time and brought together 20 girls from Carnikava Secondary School. Participants had the opportunity to listen to inspiring stories from women with experience and achievements in science, as well as to take an active part in creative activities.
Opening the event, Minister of Justice Inese Lībiņa‑Egnere encouraged girls to make use of every opportunity to gain knowledge and support, as this helps them become confident and strong.
“Latvia's girls have long been capable of achieving great things. Gender equality – one of the foundations of the state – has been strengthened in Latvia since its foundation, as it was one of the first countries in Europe to grant equal voting rights to men and women. Latvia has always been a country where opportunities have no gender. That is why it is important to inspire our girls and tell them: you are the ones who can succeed, who have opportunities, and from whom we expect a great deal in the future. You are intelligent, curious and often highly conscientious, and no stereotypes should ever be a reason to doubt yourselves or your abilities,” emphasised Inese Lībiņa‑Egnere.
Addressing participants, LPO Director Agris Batalauskis pointed out that Latvia is among the leading countries in Europe in terms of the number of women scientists, which demonstrates that science is a field where gender does not matter on the way to success.
“You are the ones shaping our future. This event has been made to help you meet people who are already working in science and realise that not everything is as complicated as it may seem. STEM is about the ability to explore, understand and create something new, and it has no boundaries. Innovation and technology are not always complex – very often simple solutions bring about change,” said the LPO Director, encouraging young participants to recognise the value of their ideas and dare to take action.
As the event continued, girls listened to innovation mentor Anita Geriņa‑Ancāne, who spoke about her journey into science as well as about interesting inventions around the world that make everyday life easier for women and have been inspired by women. The scientist encouraged the participants to study all school subjects with curiosity and not to worry if they are not yet sure about their future career.
Girls had the opportunity to take part in an interactive young innovators’ workshop together with representatives of Riga TechGirls, Alise Gurenko and Anna Fiļipenok. With the support of mentors, participants developed their ideas into digital products, using design thinking and artificial intelligence tools. Working in groups, girls created prototypes of mobile applications addressing current issues. They developed applications to help young people master school subjects through peer collaboration, receive consultations from teachers in specific subjects, as well as get emotional support and assistance with housework.
