Women in STEM: What do the numbers say?
Monica Pham, Thermal Hydraulic Engineer at TerraPower LLC. in one of her motivational speeches at TedExYouth shares her journey of sexism in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics? field (abbreviated as STEM). Being brought up in a supportive environment, she didn't realize the gender gap in the professional world until she decided to pursue engineering as a career and received mixed reactions from her peers.
Some were supportive while others were skeptical and the rest just brushed her off. But, she observed something different. Those who were supportive towards her male peers pursuing engineering and science were unfortunately not okay with her being in that position. Somehow, she ended up being in a supportive environment but starkly noticed the scarcity of women in engineering conferences or meetings – which could be counted in single digit. So, why are we talking about women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)?
Well, STEM is among the fastest growing industries in the world. According to US labor statistics, there are nearly 10 million workers in STEM occupations and this is projected to grow by 11% by 2031 – over two times faster than the total growth rate for all other industries. It is also one of the highest paying industries. Technological disruption, in fact, has created a competitive market and workforce which has boosted the demand for talent in STEM.
Women in STEM: Where’s the representation?
Many studies indicate that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have remained predominantly male, with (historically) low participation among women. Various external factors like lack of parental guidance or encouragement, limited awareness among math and science teachers, outdated curriculum content, rare opportunities for practical experience and paucity of resources have stopped women from pursuing their careers in STEM.?
The number of women in STEM has seen a steady incline. However, the growth rate differs depending on the vertical and region. As per recent STEM statistics in the US, the number of women in Healthcare has grown to 75%, with IT being at 25 %, Engineering being the lowest at 15%, followed by Physical Science at 40%, while Mathematics and Life Science going below 50% and women in research, being nearly 25%.
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India leads the pack in STEM Education for Women
As per recent STEM education rate, India leads the chart with 43% of STEM graduates being women, as opposed to other developed nations like the United States, Canada, and the UK, where there are fewer women – 34%, 31% and 38%, respectively, at the tertiary level. As per the annual All India survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report, the number of women who have opted for STEM courses in India has increased from 10.1 lakh in 2017-18 to 10.5 lakh in 2019-2020.
With a growing number of women entering STEM, governments and organizations have started initiatives like DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, WEST - Skill and career development opportunities for women, Connect Quickly - a digital platform for discussion and quick support and many such programs.
Here are some ways in which you can help women in STEM:?