249 schoolgirls from across Moldova proved that physics is also their domain at the first National Physics Competition for Girls
“It’s not every day you meet hundreds of girls who are passionate and eager to learn. Science has no gender,” said Delia, one of the participants in the national physics competition for girls. “I also learned about other girls, what they do, why they like physics, and why they want to work in this field,” added her colleague Nicoleta.
For many of the participants, the experience was not only a competition but also an opportunity to discover a community of girls interested in science. “Coming from Fălești, together with 18 other girls, I discovered how captivating physics problems can be. They challenge your logic and are quite unusual,” shared Anastasia.
Other students mentioned that the level of the competition was challenging. “It was an intense competition, especially for someone who truly loves physics,” noted Andreea-Francesca. For them, the event also sent a clear message that girls have a place in science and technology fields. “I would suggest to girls who want to get involved in science to study as much as possible and stay curious. This way, they will have more opportunities,” said Sofia after receiving her well-deserved medal.
Participants emphasised that girls’ involvement in science benefits society as a whole. “It is good for women to study the real sciences because new ideas and discoveries will emerge,” highlighted Elena, attending her first competition. “Girls can do it too. We have the skills, we know how to programme, and we can perform deep analyses in physics,” added Andreea-Francesca.
The first National Physics Competition for Girls brought together 249 schoolgirls from grades VI–XII across 14 districts of Moldova, giving them the opportunity to test their knowledge, meet other girls passionate about physics, and explore educational opportunities offered by the Technical University of Moldova in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
The event was organised with financial support from the European Union under the EVOLVE4GE project, implemented by UN Women Moldova in partnership with the Technical University of Moldova and the “Orizont” Theoretical High School. The initiative contributes to promoting gender equality and creating real opportunities for girls to access science and technology fields.
At the opening of the competition, the Rector of the Technical University of Moldova, host of the event, Viorel Bostan, underlined the importance of promoting scientific education and girls’ participation in technical and engineering fields:
“I am convinced that in the future you will achieve extraordinary results, and I hope these achievements will take place in the exact sciences, technologies, engineering, and mathematics. I am the father of a daughter who studies molecular engineering and who has never stopped at the societal limitations imposed. Science does not differentiate between men and women; what matters in science is creativity, hard work, desire, enthusiasm, and effort.”
“For many years, girls around the world have been told, directly or indirectly, that physics, engineering, and technology ‘are not for them.’ These messages limit choices. As a result, fewer women study physics and advanced STEM fields, even though talent and curiosity are distributed equally. This subsequently affects careers, opportunities, and fair access to highly skilled jobs, especially in technology. At UN Women, we work to eliminate discrimination against women and girls and ensure that every girl can fully realise her potential,” stated UN Women Moldova Representative Dominika Stojanoska, highlighting the role of such initiatives in creating an inclusive educational environment that encourages girls to explore their potential and pursue careers in STEM fields.
Martina Spernbauer, Team Leader for Governance at the European Union Delegation to Moldova, emphasised that investing in girls’ education and gender equality contributes to a more innovative and prosperous society:
“Every discovery begins with a simple question: ‘Why?’ or ‘How?’ Today, these questions come from you. This spirit of curiosity is exactly what drives progress. The European Union strongly believes that every girl should have the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As the country moves closer to EU accession, knowledge, talent, and innovation will play a key role in building a stronger, more prosperous society. Many of the ideas shaping this future may come from you, here today.”
Over the course of two days, participants solved physics problems adapted to their level, attended interactive sessions with women in physics, and explored the laboratories of the Technical University of Moldova. The competition concluded with an award ceremony. Results can be accessed here: Fizica MD – Olympiads and Performance.
Through initiatives such as MindHerPhysics, UN Women Moldova contributes to creating an environment where girls are encouraged to develop their potential in science and technology, paving the way for a new generation of women in research, engineering, and innovation.
