Our Lives Depend on Strong Technological Integration: The Case for Women in STEM

Technology has become integral to our daily lives, from attending online courses, calling loved ones, making bank transactions, and booking medical appointments. Everything we do today goes through a digital process. In this age of rapid technological advancement, we must encourage everyone to develop digital skills to keep up with the evolving technological landscape.

However, one group that has been left behind is women, with 37% not using the internet, according to data from un.org. This lack of access to digital resources is a significant obstacle to their entry into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In this article, I will explore the importance of encouraging women to pursue STEM careers and the benefits of bringing them into the technology sector.

The Digital Gender Divide

According to a report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 259 million fewer women than men have access to the internet, accounting for almost half of the world’s population. This digital gender divide prevents women from accessing online information and services and restricts their ability to develop digital skills that are becoming increasingly essential in the job market.

Moreover, women who do not feel safe online are less likely to develop the necessary digital skills and engage in digital spaces. For example, a World Wide Web Foundation study revealed that 52% of women surveyed in 10 countries reported feeling unsafe expressing their opinions online. As a result, women are less likely to be involved in online communities and less likely to develop the digital skills essential for STEM careers.

The Importance of Women in STEM

By 2050, 75% of jobs will be related to STEM areas, according to a report by Dell Technologies. Yet, despite this growing need for STEM professionals, women hold just 22% of positions in artificial intelligence, one of the fastest-growing fields in STEM. This underrepresentation of women in STEM is partly due to the lack of access to digital resources and the discouragement of girls from pursuing STEM fields.

Encouraging women to pursue STEM can lead to more creative solutions and greater potential for innovations that meet women’s needs and promote gender equality. For example, female engineers at Stanford University created a medical device to address postpartum hemorrhaging, which affects millions of women worldwide. The device, called “Embrace Nest,” is a low-cost and easy-to-use medical device that can prevent postpartum hemorrhaging and save the lives of many women. This is just one example of how bringing women into technology can lead to innovative solutions that address the needs of women.

Moreover, increasing women’s representation in STEM fields has broader societal benefits. Women’s underrepresentation in STEM perpetuates gender inequality in terms of pay and representation in leadership positions. Increasing the number of women in STEM can help close the gender pay gap and promote gender equality in leadership positions.

The Costs of Excluding Women from STEM

The exclusion of women from STEM fields has massive costs, not only for women but also for society as a whole. A lack of diversity in STEM fields can lead to narrow-minded solutions that do not reflect the needs of a diverse population. For example, facial recognition technology has been shown to have significantly higher error rates for women and people of color. This is because a predominantly white and male workforce developed the algorithms used to create these technologies.

Moreover, the underrepresentation of women in STEM perpetuates gender stereotypes and biases, which can significantly impact women’s career prospects. For example, a National Academy of Sciences study found that male and female professors rated job applicants identically in competence. Still, female applicants were perceived as less hirable, less competent, and offered lower salaries than male applicants.

Encouraging Women to Pursue STEM

Encouraging women to pursue STEM-related careers is vital to reducing the gender gap in the tech industry. By creating an environment where women can thrive, companies can reap the benefits of gender diversity, including greater creativity and innovative solutions.

Additionally, it is essential to note that including women in STEM benefits companies and society.

One key issue is that many girls and young women are discouraged from pursuing STEM careers due to cultural and social norms. Society often sends the message that STEM fields are for men, and women are expected to pursue careers in traditionally female-dominated areas such as teaching or healthcare. This is a limiting belief that needs to be challenged and dismantled.

To combat this, educational institutions, government agencies, and private companies can work together to promote STEM education and careers for women. For example, providing mentorship programs and scholarships for girls interested in STEM can go a long way toward creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Companies can also establish diversity and inclusion programs encouraging female employees to pursue leadership roles and mentor other women entering the field.

Creating Safe Spaces for Women Online

Another issue that prevents women from pursuing STEM careers is the lack of safety online. The internet is regularly plagued by harassment and discrimination, creating an unwelcoming environment for women. This issue is particularly prevalent for women of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

To address this problem, creating safe spaces for women online is crucial. This can be done by implementing strong policies against harassment and discrimination, providing resources for abuse victims, and promoting online communities that are inclusive and welcoming to all.

The government can also address this issue by implementing laws and regulations that protect women from online harassment and abuse. In addition, tech companies can contribute by designing platforms prioritizing user safety and well-being and providing resources and support for users who experience harassment or discrimination.

Closing the Gender Gap in Tech

Closing the gender gap in the tech industry is not just a matter of fairness and equality but also a matter of necessity. As our lives become increasingly intertwined with technology, we need a diverse and inclusive workforce to ensure that technological advancements benefit everyone, not just a select few.

To achieve this goal, it is essential to create an environment where women can pursue STEM careers without fear of discrimination or harassment. In addition, we need to provide girls and young women with the education and resources they need to develop the skills necessary to thrive in the tech industry. Finally, we must also create safe and inclusive spaces online that promote diversity and discourage hate speech.

Ultimately, it is up to all of us to work towards closing the gender gap in the tech industry. By encouraging more women to pursue STEM-related careers and creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce, we can make a better future for everyone. In addition, we must recognize that everyone has a role to play in promoting gender equality and creating a more equitable and just society for all.