YHP Costa Rica
Location
Cartago and West San José, Costa Rica
Timing
2023 – 2028
The local context
In Costa Rica, gender disparity in science persists despite advances in education and policy. According to UNESCO, women account for only 28% of researchers in the country, highlighting significant under-representation in scientific fields.1 Moreover, data from the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC) reveal that women constitute only 32% of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates at tertiary level.2
This imbalance not only hinders the full use of Costa Rica's intellectual capital but also perpetuates inequalities in decision-making and resource allocation within scientific institutions. Addressing these disparities is essential not only to ensure fairness and equal opportunities, but also to maximise Costa Rica's scientific potential and drive innovation across all sectors of the economy.
Promoting gender equality in STEM contributes to economic growth by helping bridge the gender gap in high-demand industries and narrow wage disparities. Investing in girls' education and health education can also equip young people to understand non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors, make informed health choices and support healthier communities, while helping Costa Rica progress towards a more equitable and prosperous future.3
Our objectives
To strengthen educational communities as inclusive environments where adolescent girls can explore STEM and use science to understand the factors that influence health.
To equip participants with STEM knowledge, health literacy, leadership skills and confidence to communicate evidence-based messages, support their peers and take youth-led action on NCD prevention - helping young people make informed choices now and protect their long-term health.
Our focus
The ESTRELLAZ Project is designed to enhance the prospects of girls aged 14-17 who face socio-economic challenges, aiming to ignite their interest in science while equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in STEM careers.
By addressing the unique barriers these girls encounter, such as limited access to quality education and resources, the initiative seeks to narrow the gender gap in STEM. Through targeted health education and mentorship, the programme also helps girls understand the behaviours and environments that influence long-term health, build their knowledge of NCD prevention, make informed health choices and share what they learn with their peers.
By fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment, the Programme not only promotes greater gender equality in STEM but also educates and activates young people to make informed health choices and take action to reduce their future risk of disease.
Our programme
The Programme brings together four components:
1. Communication for social change: raises awareness of how social expectations and gender stereotypes can discourage adolescent girls from developing an interest in science, limit their access to STEM opportunities and shape their future pathways. Participants explore how they can challenge these inequalities and help create more inclusive routes into science. They also develop clear, relevant messages that connect science with NCD prevention and everyday health choices, encouraging their peers to take action.
2. Capacity strengthening: participatory workshops, mentoring, academic and scientific expeditions, camps and online or face-to-face resources develop STEM knowledge, health literacy, critical thinking, leadership and healthy decision-making. Participants can continue their development through SUPERNOVAZ, a youth leadership community that strengthens their confidence and leadership and supports them to inspire other adolescents, share STEM and health learning, and promote positive change in their educational communities.
3. Employee volunteering: employee volunteers are prepared to act as mentors and role models, sharing their STEM experience and helping participants connect science with health challenges and youth-led action.
4. Learning and improvement: experience and feedback are captured to strengthen programme delivery, volunteering and support for girls across their families, schools and wider communities.
Our partners
Fundación PANIAMOR is a not-for-profit organisation that works to protect and promote the rights of children and adolescents in Costa Rica. It builds partnerships with government, the private sector and national and international organisations, strengthening collaboration to seek innovative solutions and action.
Collaboration with Costa Rica's Ministry of Public Education aligns ESTRELLAZ with wider education priorities and helps extend its reach through schools. The Ministry's knowledge and networks also support the integration of health education, equipping girls with knowledge and skills to support their wellbeing and future pathways in science.
References
1. UNESCO. UNESCO Science Report: Towards 2030 (regional data for Latin America). UNESCO report.
2. National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC). Sistema de Indicadores Estadísticos de Género (SIEG). INEC gender indicators.
3. World Health Organization. Noncommunicable diseases: what ministries of education need to know, 2016. WHO policy brief.