STEM and the gender issue

01 September, 2021

Heriot-Watt believes glass ceilings can be one of the primary reasons why women shy away from degrees and occupations in STEM. “Throughout their education, girls are systematically drawn away from science and math courses, which discourages them from pursuing opportunities and training to enter these fields professionally,” it says. Heriot-Watt adds that more women can be encouraged to pursue STEM by exposing girls to STEM material and introducing female role models in these industries at a young age, encouraging participation in STEM programmes through funding and ambassadors, and by breaking down stereotypes around male and female careers. Apart from the equality issue itself, which of course is something that shouldn’t be overlooked, the creativity and dedication shown by women currently working in STEM, as well as the many successful female luminaries from the past, is evidence enough that this is a theme that needs continued focus.As Heriot-Watt University states, “it’s important we open doors for women into STEM to not only benefit the industry but to create better opportunities for both women and the world”.