Supporting girls in STEM fields is not a matter of numbers and statistics, but a matter of the vision of the society in which we want to live, said the Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, Anđela Jakšić Stojanović.
As announced by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MESI), she said this at a forum held on the eve of Girls' Day, at which the One company, the Ministry of Public Administration, MESI and IPC Tehnopolis gathered 150 students from Montenegrin primary schools.
The statement states that the video by director Gojko Berkuljan sends a clear message that girls' place is among codes, stars, and ideas.
"His heroines from the past and present, fusing science and imagination, argue that boundaries only exist as long as we believe in them," the statement added.
Jakšić Stojanović emphasized that education is the most powerful tool with which we change the world.
"Dear girls, ask, imagine, doubt, dream, create, be brave and bold and believe in yourself. Because we believe in you endlessly," said Jakšić Stojanović.
Addressing the boys, she said that she was sure that they would be the support and backbone for their friends.
"Because every girl deserves to be encouraged and supported," said Jakšić Stojanović.
As she added, only together can we dream big dreams and create a world in which everyone has equal opportunities.
"Supporting girls in STEM fields is not a matter of numbers and statistics - it is a matter of the vision of the society we want to live in," said Jakšić Stojanović.
At One, as highlighted at the panel, they believe in the power of knowledge and innovation that emerges when different perspectives come together, when the team consists of both girls and boys who are free to ask, make mistakes, learn, and create.
The company's CEO, Branko Mitrović, said that it is important for them to hear that knowledge has no gender or borders.
"This story began a long time ago, when women entered the world of science, programming, engineering. Quietly, uninvited, often without any support. But with faith and courage not to accept other people's limitations as their own," said Mitrović.
According to him, that's exactly what they want.
"I have often wondered - how is it that so many girls are brilliant in mathematics, in school, in competitions, and later there are so few of them in ICT? The answer is simple - we have not supported them enough," said Mitrović.
State Secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration, Naim Đokaj, said that ICT professions are dominant in the state administration and in the labor market.
"So we support you to believe in yourself and achieve your dreams. When there is motivation and talent, boundaries and divisions do not exist," said Đokaj.
The Director of IPC Tehnopolis, Đorđije Malović, emphasized that he was proud that this institution was contributing to the campaign.
"This year, IPC Tehnopolis is a partner in the campaign that is now traditionally presented and promoted by the One company. I believe that this will also become part of that tradition, because it is our experience of educational work with the youngest that should guarantee a significant contribution," said Malović.
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