Abstract

The present research explores whether women and girls in STEM (abbr. science, technology, engineering, math) are interesting and newsworthy topic for the mass media in Kyrgyzstan and to what extend the advocacy efforts of the organisations supporting women in STEM impact the mass media. In recent years there has been growing support provided to promote STEM (abbr. science, technology, engineering, math) among women and girls of Kyrgyzstan. Advocacy efforts are integral part of most of the implemented initiatives and effective communication can contribute to the portrayal of women in STEM as the role models.

Positions of the following groups were analysed: women-beneficiaries of projects supporting women and girls in STEM; representatives of organistaions supporting women and girls in STEM; representatives of the mass media and experts. The study was based on the in-depth interviews and focus groups with the respondents as well as the desk research and analysis of the project documents and mass media materials published online about women in STEM in Kyrgyzstan.

Short bio:
Ms. Nazik Mamedova has background in mass communication and political studies. She has her MA in Politics and Security studies at the OSCE Academy. Ms.  Nazik worked at at the international organisations such as GIZ and OSCE and for the consulting companies in Central Asia and Europe.  She also writes for the mass media, mainly working on analytical articles. Her research interests focus on communication and media studies, public health and education.