Written by Lauren James Budhu
What do Marie Curie, Jane Goodall, Jane Cooke Wright, Barbara McClintock, and Katherine Johnson have in common? They are all brilliant scientists and doctors who have left an indelible mark on science over the last two centuries. These are just a few of the many women who have helped pave the way for future women to thrive in science.
However, we still have more work to do in bridging the gap. While there has been progress in gender equality and increasing awareness over the last decade, women continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields. In fact, in 2023, women made up less than 30 percent of the global STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) workforce. They account for just 24 percent in the United States, 17 percent in the European Union, 16 percent in Japan, and 14 percent in India.
February 11th marks the annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science, aimed at bringing awareness to these gender disparities. This day is a global celebration of the women who work and contribute to scientific findings.
DInitially adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, the day is carried on annually by UNESCO in collaboration with UN Women. Both organizations work with national governments, civil society partners, corporations, and universities to promote awareness to celebrate the accomplishments of women and girls in STEM and encourage young people to consider a future career in these fields.
Here are a few statistics to consider:
- 49.2% of women who originally intended to major in science and engineering switch to a non-STEM major, compared to 32.5% of men (National Science Foundation National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics).
- Nationally, women make up 57.3% of bachelor’s degree recipients, but only 38.6% are STEM bachelor’s degree recipients.
- Women represent 52% of the college-educated workforce but only 29% of the science and engineering workforce.
This inequality is notable, as it points to a lack of diversity and inclusion that limits the overall potential of the STEM industry. Factors like stereotyping, lack of women role models, and work-life imbalance tend to perpetuate the STEM gender gap.
As the wife of an electrical engineering professor, math and science are dominant fixtures in our house. Not only do mathematical equations inundate sheets of paper on our dining table and simulations constantly run on the computer, but I see our curious 3-year-old daughter building towers out of her Magna Tiles, playing with her stethoscope and giving us checkups, and talking about everything space-related. It makes me wonder if she will follow in her father’s scientific footsteps or go in the opposite direction (maybe writing like her mom!). Whatever the case, I can see her making an impact in the world of science, and I hope we can give her the tools to enhance her curiosity and imagination!
As a society, there are many things that we can do to help bridge this gender gap in STEM, such as giving unconscious bias training to colleagues, offering more educational and career opportunities for women and girls in science, and providing consistent leadership that makes everyone feel valued and respected. Be part of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science on February 11th by pledging for equality or joining the global network. Another way to make a difference is by checking out women's organizations like the Society for Women Engineers, Women in Medicine, SheCanCode, and the Association for Women in Science.
