WYSE 2.0: Empowering Young Women in STEM Employment
National Conference and Job Fair Held in Tunis
The second edition of the national conference and job fair dedicated to the inclusion of young women in STEM fields (Women and Youth in STEM Employment), WYSE 2.0, took place on Monday, July 13, 2026, in Tunis. The event was organized by UN Women in partnership with the Embassy of the Netherlands in Tunisia and the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment (CFYE).
Global Context
Globally, women account for only 35% of graduates in scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical fields (STEM), according to UNESCO. They remain underrepresented in artificial intelligence and data-related fields, and earn 85% or less of their male counterparts' salaries when they do access these fields.
Tunisia: A Beacon of Hope
Tunisia stands out as one of the nine countries in the world with a majority of female graduates in STEM fields. Similarly, in scientific and technological fields, women represent 54% of graduates, a rate significantly higher than the global average.
The Challenge of Employment
Despite their strong academic presence in STEM fields, many Tunisian female graduates continue to face obstacles in accessing the job market and career opportunities, as well as leadership positions in strategic sectors. The gap between education and employment is particularly evident in information technology and life sciences.
WYSE 2.0: Bridging the Gap
To address this issue, WYSE 2.0 brought together 30 Tunisian and international companies, including Dutch and British firms, along with public decision-makers, civil society organizations, financial institutions, and academic representatives, to strengthen the links between education and employment.
Program Objectives
WYSE 2.0 has set specific goals, which include:
- Training at least 150 young female graduates in employability through an intensive three-day online course, focusing on CV preparation, job interview skills, and access to the job market.
- Encouraging at least 30 companies to adopt the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs), with measurable progress in recruitment, retention, career advancement, and harassment prevention.
- Strengthening structured interactions between female talents in STEM fields and the private sector to promote employment and adoption of gender-sensitive practices.
- Achieving a target of at least 50% of participants securing a job, internship, or contract through the job fair and post-event follow-up.
