Breaking barriers: How STEM scholarships are empowering Kosovo’s Young Women

Kosovo’s Commitment to STEM Education under UN Women’s Generation Equality campaign helps shatter stereotypes

Date: Monday, 12 August 2024

Desara Qerimi, Computer and Software Engineering student at the University of Prishtina and beneficiary of the scholarship. Photo: Courtesy of Desara Qerimi

Desara Qerimi is a 21-year-old Computer and Software Engineering student at the University of Prishtina. She is one of 4,600 young women and girls who have benefited from a one-year STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) scholarship, implemented by the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation of Kosovo as part of the Generation Equality commitments. “The scholarship has played an important role during my study years. It has been a key financial support, allowing me to explore my field more outside of my university,” says Desara.

In a world increasingly driven by science and technology, empowering women in STEM fields has never been more crucial. Education is a powerful vehicle for driving women’s and girls’ empowerment in STEM fields. Despite a significant positive shift in women’s enrolment in STEM fields¹, a recent academic study from Kosovo² suggests that women exhibit less confidence in their abilities in STEM fields despite showing higher academic performance compared to men.

A bold commitment to STEM education

Since taking office in 2021, Kosovo's Minister of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Arbërie Nagavci, has been a staunch advocate for this cause. The Ministry’s commitment to STEM education involves a significant increase in scholarships for young women and girls studying in STEM fields. For the 2023/2024 academic year, the Ministry allocated 3 million euros, awarding 1,882 scholarships worth 1,000 euros each – a notable increase from previous years, with 499 more scholarships than last year and 517 more than in 2021, when the scholarship programme began.

To qualify for these scholarships, applicants must have completed high school in one of Kosovo’s higher secondary schools, be a first-year bachelor’s student in public institutions and have a strong academic record. This initiative has led to a constant increase in applicants, with over 4,600 young women and girls benefiting to date.

Global recognition and future plans

Representing Kosovo at the Generation Equality Midpoint event “Accelerating digitalization in Europe and Central Asia: Partnerships on innovation and technology for women’s economic empowerment,” in November 2023, Minister Nagavci emphasized that “empowering women and girls through education is a crucial part of my mandate as a Minister.” Ms. Nagavci highlighted Kosovo's strategic focus on leveraging digitalization to close the gender gap and empower women and girls across various sectors.

“We must ensure that women and girls actively contribute and lead in STEM fields. Their presence not only fosters equality but also enhances problem-solving capabilities and drives groundbreaking discoveries that benefit everyone. By empowering women in STEM, we pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future, where every individual can contribute to scientific advancement and technological breakthroughs,” stated Vlora Tuzi-Nushi, head of UN Women Kosovo Office.

"Empowering women and girls through education is a crucial part of my mandate as a Minister."

- Arbërie Nagavci, Kosovo's Minister of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation

Arbërie Nagavci, Kosovo's Minister of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, during the Generation Equality Midpoint event “Accelerating digitalization in Europe and Central Asia: Partnerships on innovation and technology for women’s economic empowerment,” in November 2023. Credit: UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia.

Beyond financial support

Minister Nagavci’s commitment goes beyond financial support. The Ministry also organizes activities to raise awareness and promote role models in STEM. One such event is the “STEMinists” conference, which, supported by UN Women Kosovo, aims to promote gender equality in STEM fields. The conference, under the patronage of the Prime Minister's Office, gathers young women studying and working in STEM from Kosovo and around the world.

“Our commitment to empowering women and girls in STEM is unwavering. We plan to increase the university scholarships for girls in STEM fields, ensuring even more opportunities for young women to pursue their passions. Additionally, we are excited to continue organizing the “STEMinists” conference in 2025 as an annual tradition that celebrates and promotes women in STEM. These initiatives are part of our broader strategy to create a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape for all,” concluded Arbërie Nagavci.

A testament to success

Desara Qerimi’s story is a testament to the success of these initiatives. The scholarship has been a pivotal support in her academic journey, enabling her to delve deeper into her field and explore opportunities beyond the classroom. Desera says, “For me, the vital part and the value lie behind what this program symbolizes, and that is that women and girls are supported and encouraged to study STEM-related disciplines.”

¹ References to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).

² Women now make up 50% of students in STEM fields at the University of Pristina, a significant shift in these traditionally male-dominated fields.