Serhiy Tokarev, investor and co-founder of Roosh, reached new heights in 2023 with the Ukrainian educational project STEM is FEM, attracting the attention of 4,000 girls ready to immerse themselves in the world of STEM disciplines. This project, focused on regeneration and urban planning, not only successfully implemented educational courses, but also created a series for the national platform “Diia.Osvita”. Supported by initiatives such as the Science: Women’s Voices podcast and the Light Industry educational module, Serhiy Tokarev’s project is becoming an integral part of the development of STEM in Ukraine.
“Cities of the future begin with knowledge today,” emphasizes Serhiy Tokarev, talking about the careful work of the urban planning team within the framework of the STEM is FEM project. To provide knowledge on how to make our cities better, the team actively engages citizens in understanding the structure and potential of cities. Given the urgent task of post-war reconstruction of the country, special attention is paid to the involvement of youth in the processes of reconstruction and transformation of Ukrainian cities, creating the basis for a sustainable future.
Serhiy Tokarev shared that in April 2023, participants in the educational course “Urbanism” as part of the STEM is FEM project presented their unique projects for the reconstruction of public spaces in the cities of Ichnya, Trostyanets and Okhtyrka. Their creativity and innovative ideas did not go unnoticed: the ten best projects were selected and finalized by a team of professionals. These projects were then proposed for local implementation, paving the way for the transformation of Ukrainian cities.
Three best graduates of the Urbanism course received the opportunity to undergo an internship at the NGO Urban Reform. According to Serhiy Tokarev, this experience not only enriched their understanding of urban space but also allowed them to study the history of the city of Okhtyrka, interact with the local community and contribute to the development of the city’s master plan. This step emphasizes the importance of practical experience and the involvement of young professionals in urban development processes.
According to Serhiy Tokarev, in 2023, STEM is FEM has expanded its activities, offering participants not only deep knowledge in urban planning but also an educational module “Light Industry”. It was held in September and was created jointly with the lingerie brand brabrabra. This module was the first after a full-scale invasion, attracting 30 participants who became part of a unique experience.
The module participants not only listened to motivational speeches and opinions of light industry experts but also actively studied clothing design and production technologies. An important result was that each participant developed their own lingerie collection, demonstrating creativity and enriching their knowledge of the industry.
STEM is FEM, together with online media Speka, is taking steps to highlight the importance of women in science. The podcast they launched, Science: Women’s Voices, provides a unique platform where hosts and guest experts discuss the stories of outstanding women researchers. This project not only takes a close look at their professional accomplishments but also digs deeper into their personal stories and the challenges they face on their path to success. The podcast becomes an integral part of efforts to increase the visibility of women in the scientific community and inspire the next generation.
Serhiy Tokarev, the initiator of the project, not only calls for diversity in the technological environment but actively introduces this principle into real projects. In this context, STEM is FEM actively implements programs and activities aimed at encouraging girls to enter the fields of science and technology.