Chevron Cyprus has highlighted its ongoing efforts to address gender inequalities in STEM and entrepreneurship, as part of activities marking International Women’s Day.

The company emphasised that women remain significantly underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, despite growing global demand for skilled professionals.

It noted that only around 30 per cent of researchers worldwide are women, underlining the persistent gap in participation across high-growth sectors.

Chevron Cyprus stressed that achieving gender equality requires equal access to education, resources and career opportunities, particularly in fields that are shaping the future economy.

In Cyprus, initiatives have been launched to encourage more girls and women to pursue STEM careers, with Chevron Cyprus playing an active role through partnerships and funding programmes.

Working with Frederick University and CyprusInno, the company has supported projects offering mentorship, training and scholarships.

Among these is the STEM Days programme, which introduces young girls to science and technology through practical, hands-on experiences.

Another initiative, the Women Entrepreneurs Lab, focuses on supporting women in developing business ventures and strengthening entrepreneurial skills.

“Addressing gender inequalities is particularly critical in fields such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, where women remain significantly underrepresented,” the company said.

The importance of early exposure to technology careers was illustrated by Erma Dymiotou, a graduate of Frederick University’s computer science programmes.

“I took computer classes when I was in sixth grade. I was good at it, and I had an excellent teacher who made everything seem simple,” she said.

She explained that her interest in the field developed further during her school years.

“I knew since high school that I wanted to study computer science. It was the only subject that truly excited me, along with mathematics and physics,” she said.

Despite financial challenges, she pursued her studies with the support of scholarships provided by Frederick University.

“Information technology is a constantly evolving field, and that’s what attracted me to it,” she said.

“It is challenging, creative, and fulfilling,” she added.

Today, she works as a web developer at Dynamic Works, contributing to Cyprus’ expanding technology sector.

Frederick University has also launched initiatives aimed at inspiring younger generations, including a programme introduced in 2021 encouraging girls to explore engineering and technology careers.

“At the same time, it seeks to raise awareness among parents and teachers about stereotypes and outdated attitudes that often discourage girls from following their interests in these fields,” said Natassa Frederickou, President of the Council of Frederick University.

Through STEM Days, girls aged 9 to 12 take part in free workshops, while older students aged 13 to 16 attend a week-long STEM camp featuring industry talks and visits to companies and research institutions.

The initiative aims to build confidence and demonstrate that careers in STEM are both achievable and rewarding.

Financial support remains a key pillar of these efforts, with female students receiving a 50 per cent scholarship when enrolling in STEM programmes at Frederick University.

In collaboration with Chevron Cyprus, two full scholarships are awarded annually, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from pursuing higher education.

Since 2022, more than 10 full scholarships have been granted, based on academic performance and socio-economic criteria.

For student Stavriana Rafael, the support proved decisive.

“I’m happy with my choice,” she said.

“It is something I truly enjoy, and I cannot imagine myself doing anything else,” she added, referring to her studies in mechanical engineering.

Beyond education, the Women Entrepreneurs Lab programme provides further opportunities for women to advance professionally.

Implemented with the support of CyprusInno and sponsored by Chevron Cyprus, the initiative includes a two-day bootcamp, personalised mentorship and a final Demo Day, where participants present their business ideas to investors.

The programme is designed to refine business strategies, strengthen leadership and financial management skills and prepare participants to deliver investment-ready pitches.

It also aims to connect entrepreneurs with mentors, investors and key partners within the business ecosystem.

The launch of the programme last weekend formed part of International Women’s Day celebrations, highlighting the importance of women’s participation in economic development.

“It is truly an honor to be surrounded by such inspiring and accomplished women who are making meaningful contributions to Cyprus’ economic development,” said Melina Demetriou, Financial Manager at Chevron Cyprus.

“On behalf of all my colleagues at Chevron Cyprus, I can confidently say that the Women Entrepreneurs Lab, as a continuation of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, truly embodies the Chevron Way,” she added.