Smart Cheli

Smart Cheli

Smart Cheli

Balancing the gender gap in STEM field by playful learning resources and training.

Nepal

NPL

Nonprofit

In Nepal, women are significantly underrepresented in engineering, comprising only 21% of engineering students, according to the Nepal Engineering Council’s 2016 data. This reflects the barriers women face in entering STEM fields. Gender stereotypes—such as the belief that "girls aren't good at STEM"—discourage girls from exploring science and technology from a young age. These biases create a sense of exclusion, making many girls believe STEM isn't meant for them, resulting in fewer women pursuing STEM careers. Socio-economic challenges further widen this gap. Poverty and parental reluctance to invest in daughters' education lead to stark gender disparities in literacy and academic attainment. While 66% of men are literate, only 43% of women can read and write. In rural areas, where poverty is more extreme, over 70% of girls drop out of school by age 16. Child marriage is also widespread—2 in 5 girls are married by age 14. These challenges limit girls’ access to education and, by extension, their presence in STEM. However, research shows that improving girls’ learning outcomes and access to quality education can reduce these disparities. Educated girls are more likely to pursue STEM careers, empowering them to contribute to innovation, economic growth, and a more equitable society.

We have developed a block-based electronics learning kit combined with a character-driven instructional storybook designed to make STEM education more accessible and engaging for young learners. Our components are made from sustainable sustainable MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard), making them reusable, upgradeable, and environmentally friendly. By integrating hands-on electronics with storytelling, we simplify complex STEM concepts and spark curiosity through creative play. To bring electronics, coding, and storytelling together, we integrate our electronic blocks with the Scratch programming platform—a simple, visual coding tool developed by MIT—which allows young girls to easily program and interact with the components in a fun and intuitive way. This approach not only builds foundational technical skills, but also encourages critical thinking and problem-solving—essential traits for the innovators of tomorrow. Our solution is designed to grow with learners, providing a scalable and inclusive way to deliver quality STEM education to diverse and underserved communities. Link : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ2Ft_GF5pE&ab_channel=SmartCheli Link : https://ionian-resolution-577.notion.site/b31f10edfdce4e25a6fd590f4a78b28b?v=e8e8e5ae0fe34008a67fdcf67e2d15b3

In Nepal, females make up 51.02% of the total population (14.9 million), with 9.5 million girls aged 10–18, representing a significant opportunity for impact. Yet, only 7.8% of researchers in Nepal are female (UNESCO, 2018), compared to the global average of 28.8%. With STEM jobs projected to grow significantly by 2028 (Bureau of Labor Statistics), it is crucial to prepare young girls now. Our initiative empowers girls aged 10–16, especially those in public schools in Nepal, by combining storytelling, electronics, and coding through a block-based electronics kit and Scratch programming platform. While these schools have basic access to computers, they lack the trained educators and engaging learning resources needed to make full use of digital tools. Public schools in Nepal primarily serve students from low-income backgrounds. These girls often face barriers to quality STEM education and future career opportunities. Our hands-on, story-driven approach builds confidence, curiosity, and technical skills—helping girls imagine and shape their futures. By equipping them with 21st-century digital and design skills, we foster independent learning, self-confidence, and career readiness in technology, engineering, and innovation—helping close the gender gap in STEM fields.