Robyn announces festival just for teenage girls
Pop star Robyn has announced something unusual about her upcoming Tekla festival.
The event will be attended only by teenage girls.
The ‘Dancing On My Own’ star announced that her festival would be aimed at girls who are interested in science, technology, engineering and mechanics (STEM).
Robyn aims for her festival to help to encourage interest in these fields by women aged 11-18.
She notes that interest in tech-based subjects largely drops off in girls after age 13.
Robyn says that the hope is that, as the future of civilisation relies so heavily on STEM subjects, that her festival will feed into a dialogue inspiring young women.
She told Vice: “There are so many areas in which technology is a crucial part – I think many people don’t realise this. It’s not just being in a lab with a white coat. There are so many things that girls in particular can discover in different ways.
“I think girls might not even consider the possibility of getting nerdy with technology, which is interesting. There are different reasons about why that might be, but I think it has a lot to do with role models and actually seeing other women doing it.”
She goes on to say that she has gained confidence in her own producing skills, and wants to break down barriers to women accessing scientific fields.
Robyn also named Kate Bush as one of her influencers, from when she was a child.
“From when I was kid, I knew that she wrote her own songs and that she produced and played the instruments herself. It’s weird, but sometimes you have to see someone else do something before you realise that it’s possible. Whether it’s someone in your family, or somebody you don’t even know, you have that concept in your brain about whether something is possible.”
Of the role of men, Robyn said they “need to show interest in the development of women’s education and the female race. That would be good in all areas.”
Check out more information about the Tekla Festival here.
