The Role of Women in STEM
In recent years, the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) have become critical to economic innovation and global competitiveness. Yet, despite their growing importance, these fields are not free from gender disparities, which inhibit not only social and gender equality but also the broad spectrum of innovation that diverse thinking brings. In this article, we’ll explore the current landscape of women in STEM, discuss why gender equality is crucial in these fields, and highlight how programmes like ours at Generation can empower women to enter and thrive in STEM careers.
The Current State of Women in STEM
Historically, STEM fields have been dominated by men, with systemic barriers preventing women from entering these professions. These barriers range from stereotypical gender roles and biases to a lack of women role models and mentors in these fields. However, the tide is beginning to turn, albeit slowly.
Recent statistics suggest that while women constitute about half of the overall workforce, they remain significantly underrepresented in STEM professions. For example, in the UK, women make up only 24% of the STEM workforce. In Colombia, studies show that “although women constitute >50% graduates from bachelors in natural sciences, <40% of researchers in this field are female” and that “women win <30% of research grants, and in turn, their scientific productivity is 2X lower than that of men.”
Globally, women are estimated to comprise only 29% of the STEM workforce. This worldwide disparity not only highlights the gender gap but also underscores the untapped potential within a substantial portion of the workforce.
Why Gender Equality in STEM Matters
- Social equality: Promoting gender equality in STEM helps to challenge and change the stereotypical perceptions about gender roles in society. It provides both men and women with the freedom to pursue their interests across all fields without bias.
- Innovation through diversity: Diverse groups, including those with women, are known to bring varied perspectives that lead to innovation and problem-solving. Studies have shown that mixed-gender teams produce more frequently cited research than single-gender teams.
- Economic benefits: Leveraging the full potential of women in STEM can lead to greater economic performance. It can enable women to increase their upward mobility, helping themselves and their families improve their economic standing.
Pathways to Inclusion: How Generation Can Help
Generation is a global organisation that aims to transform education-to-employment systems to prepare, place, and support people into life-changing careers that would otherwise be inaccessible. Our employment programmes are particularly potent tools for women aiming to enter STEM fields. While women fill only 22% of tech roles across Europe, here at Generation we are boosting those numbers, with women taking up 43% of our tech programme learners.
At Generation, we offer several programmes specifically designed for careers in technology — a primary subset of STEM. Each programme not only teaches technical skills but also incorporates valuable training in behavioural skills and mindsets. This holistic approach ensures that learners are job-ready from day one.
Our programmes also feature:
- Support systems: One of the critical barriers for women in STEM is the lack of mentorship and role models. Generation addresses this by providing access to a network of industry professionals who mentor participants through the course of their training. This network can be invaluable for women who are often pioneers in their fields or workplaces.
- Accessibility and flexibility: Understanding the unique challenges women face — particularly if they are returning to the workforce after a break or starting afresh in a new field — Generation’s programmes are designed to be accessible. We offer flexible learning options and support services, which can be crucial for women balancing family and career.
- Career placement: Post-training, Generation assists with job placement, which is often one of the most daunting aspects for career switchers or newcomers. By collaborating with various tech companies and startups, we ensure that our graduates are not only prepared but also connected with potential employers.
The need for gender equality in STEM is clear, not just from a fairness perspective but also from the viewpoints of innovation, economic necessity, and social equality. Programmes like those offered by Generation are crucial in bridging the gap, providing women with the skills, confidence, and connections to succeed in these fields.
The journey towards gender equality in STEM isn’t just about getting more women into science and technology — it’s about transforming these fields into inclusive spaces that innovate and thrive due to their diversity. Women bring unique perspectives and skills to the table, and it’s high time their potential is fully realised and utilised.
Through focused support and tailored training programmes, we can equip women to not only enter STEM fields but also to excel and lead. The path isn’t just about participation; it’s also about empowerment. And with each step forward, we move closer to a more inclusive and balanced scientific community. If you’re interested in starting a career in a STEM-related field, explore our employment programmes today!
At Generation, our mission is to train, support, and place people into otherwise inaccessible career opportunities that can change their lives. Explore our employment programmes to see the professions we support, or donate today to help us create career opportunities for our learners!