2023-09-25 13:18:31
Just in time for the new school year, the Austrian Fund for the Strengthening and Support of Women and Girls presented on September 20th. his first children’s book in the Seestadt Aspern library.
Vienna (OTS) – “Who does MI(N)T? – On the trail of women in science and technology” was created in cooperation with the Federal Chancellery and the Ministry of Education and was sent to all 3,100 elementary schools in Austria at the start of school.
The reading book brings together stories prepared for children 38 female role models from the fields of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and technology and proves that there have always been and are pioneers, discoverers and researchers in Austria. In addition to 19 historical women – such as Lise Meitner and Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky – the portraits of 19 LEA role models build a bridge to the present. The texts and illustrations come from the award-winning author Raffaela Schöbitz.
“The dismantling of outdated role models must begin with the youngest children, because the stories that children associate themselves with shape their preferences and thus the development of skills. People in a scientific context are three times more likely to be male than female in children’s books. With “Who Makes MI(N)T” we counter these stereotypes with 38 pioneering women from Austria and encourage girls in particular to pursue their interests in this area and believe in their dreams
“, so Nalan GündüzDirector of LEA – Let’s empower Austria.
Presentation with Women’s Minister Susanne Raab, LEA role models and elementary school class
With welcoming words from Women’s Minister Susanne Raab, a puzzle rally and robotics hands-on stations, the new book was launched on September 20th. presented for the first time in the Seestadt Aspern library. Author and illustrator Raffaela Schöbitz read, among other things, the portraits of the LEA role models present Ivona Brandić and Hanna Gansch before. Project manager Katja Grafl led through the morning.
„Offering children as large a selection of stories as possible that enable them to identify and are free of clichés is particularly important at primary school age. In order to make the book more versatile in everyday teaching, we paid particular attention to its practical suitability and created a digital accompanying booklet for teaching lessons
“, so Grafl.
The invited ones Children from the Wulzendorfstrasse elementary school from Vienna 22 were very interested in the stories of the literary and present role models and eagerly participated in the conversation with Federal Minister Raab. Afterwards they were able to take their personal copies of the LEA children’s book home with them.
„Projects like this show me how incredible my job is: I get the chance to positively influence society and the children who live and grow up in it
“, says author Raffaela Schöbitz.
As part of this year’s Book Vienna are LEA and Raffaela Schöbitz with “Who does MI(N)T?” on November 12th a guest on the children’s stage. Further reading dates throughout Austria are planned.
Ordering Information
“Who does MI(N)T?” is primarily aimed at elementary school children ages 6-9 or their teachers. A digital one accompanying booklet with important background information, a glossary for difficult terms in child-friendly language and a selection of interactive methods for individual portraits makes it easier to use in class.
The LEA children’s book is not available for purchase. The book and accompanying booklet are below for the Download available. Additional hardcover copies can also be ordered free of charge by elementary school teachers.
Contact us for detailed information regarding the book, review copies and collaborations.
About LEA – Let’s empower Austria
The Austrian Fund for the Strengthening and Promotion of Women and Girls (LEA – Let’s empower Austria), founded in 2022, has set itself the goal of promoting actual equality between women and men in Austria. The focus of the measures is on reducing gender-related role models and enabling free development of potential. LEA sets accents in all phases of a woman’s biography, ranging from STEM children’s books to workshops for children and young people or seminars on financial independence to project funding and commissioning of studies. 80 LEA role models support the work of the fund on a voluntary basis and send a strong signal for greater visibility of women beyond common stereotypes.
Questions & Contact:
LEA Let’s empower Austria
Julia Rehberger
Communication
presse@lea-frauenfonds.at
Austrian fund for the empowerment and promotion of women and girls
Untere Donaustraße 11
1020 Wien
1695648118
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