Empowering Young Girls in STEM Through IEEE's Manga Contest

Empowering Young Minds Through Manga: The IEEE Women in Engineering Contest

The IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Manga Story Contest has successfully returned for its second installment, tapping into the vibrant and culturally rich world of manga to inspire the next generation of female engineers. Aiming to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields, this year's contest features stories centered around Riko-chan, a fictional preuniversity student leveraging STEM to tackle everyday challenges.

Why STEM Representation Matters

The importance of representation in STEM cannot be overstated. By featuring relatable characters like Riko-chan, the contest aims to make science and engineering more accessible and engaging for young girls. The stories delve into essential themes such as resilience, innovation, and community, illustrating how STEM can effectively solve real-world problems. Winning entries explore diverse topics ranging from energy solutions to healthcare technology, empowering budding engineers with the knowledge that their ideas can lead to tangible change.

Showcasing Creative Solutions: Contest Highlights

Among the six winning entries, standout stories include "Riko-chan & the SmartMeds Box" where the protagonist designs an AI-powered pillbox to assist her grandmother with medication management. This narrative not only promotes technological literacy but also emphasizes empathy in engineering—core values that can inspire future female engineers. In another entry, "Riko-chan and the Furry Friend’s Prosthetic Leg," we see a profound illustration of STEM's potential to improve lives, as Riko-chan uses 3D printing techniques to create a prosthetic for a classmate's injured cat.

Encouraging Future Participation in STEM Fields

The contest, supported by the IEEE Japan Council and the IEEE New Initiatives Committee, emphasizes inclusivity. Participants were welcomed from all walks of life, allowing individuals to submit stories as individuals or in teams. Fueling creativity and collaboration among young engineers is part of a broader mission to inspire girls to consider STEM as a viable career path.

Continuing the Journey: Upcoming Opportunities

With the 2025 IEEE WIE Manga Contest currently accepting submissions, the initiative remains a clarion call for young storytellers and engineers. Participating in this contest offers both exposure and the chance to connect with a global community of like-minded peers.

This convergence of creativity and technology serves as a powerful medium for change. As these young storytellers unleash their imaginations, the potential to inspire and mobilize a new generation of women in STEM becomes an undeniable reality.