What Is The Gender Gap And Why Should We Work On Eliminating It ?

The gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) refers to the underrepresentation of women in these fields, both in terms of educational pursuits and professional careers. This gap manifests at various stages of the STEM ‘pipeline’, from education to employment, and it is characterized by a disparity in the number of men and women participating in and contributing to STEM disciplines.

Numerous studies support the existence of gender gap in STEM internationally. According to the Global gender gap report 2023, the data provided by LinkedIn in 163 countries across the globe indicate that while women account for 41.9% of the workforce, their representation in STEM is at 29.2%. The representation of BIPOC women is specially underrepresented in STEM fields. BIPOC student success in STEM is vital to better serve our diverse societies A diverse workforce provides the potential for innovation by leveraging different backgrounds, experiences, and points of view.

As researchers investigate the reasons behind the gender gap, we are reminded that there is an increasing awareness of the gender gap in STEM; women are gaining the recognition and the opportunities to fill positions previously held solely by men, though the progress has been slow. Closing the gender gap in STEM means tapping into the full potential of the workforce. This not only benefits individual women by providing equal opportunities but also contributes to economic growth by harnessing diverse talents in these crucial fields.

Eliminating  the gender gap in STEM requires a multifaceted approach involving educational institutions, workplaces, policymakers, and the broader community. STEAMunity is a community based approach to reduce the gender gap by sharing the stories of incredible journey of women in STEAM.