Empowering Women in STEM: A Critical Need for Our Future

STEM—comprising Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—is increasingly crucial to the advancement of contemporary society and presents numerous job opportunities post-graduation. Despite this, female representation in these areas remains significantly low, prompting universities to seek innovative strategies to engage more women in STEM fields.

Duong Thi Thanh Ha, a standout student majoring in Control and Automation Engineering Technology at the University of Technology and Education under the University of Da Nang, exemplifies the potential within women in STEM despite the challenges. Ha has garnered remarkable achievements while navigating a male-dominated field.

Challenges for Women in Technical Fields

Statistics reveal that women currently comprise only about 30% of the global scientific researcher workforce. Furthermore, only two women have been awarded Nobel Prizes in Physics among 199 total recipients, and only 17% of high school science and technology competition awards go to female students. These figures highlight an urgent need to promote female engagement in STEM careers.

Ha notes that when she initially enrolled, the number of female engineering students was disproportionately low, making her integration into the program challenging. The technical nature of her studies, which require extensive knowledge in programming, electronics, and practical equipment handling, can pose additional obstacles for female students.

Overcoming Obstacles through Dedication

To excel in her coursework, Ha dedicates considerable time to self-study and actively participates in discussions with classmates. She also seeks guidance from instructors and draws on the experiences of seniors to enhance her learning journey.

“While there are inherent challenges in working with large and heavy machinery, traits such as meticulousness, patience, and a detail-oriented mindset can be advantageous for women in these demanding fields,” Ha stated.

Achievements and Aspirations

Ha’s relentless dedication has led to her being recognized as an outstanding student, earning notable accolades, including a second-place finish in the Smart Campus Asia Pacific Competition in 2023, a first prize at the University of Technical Education’s student scientific research competition for the 2023-2024 academic year, and a first-place award in the Da Nang University Student Scientific Research program.

“Engaging in scientific research is not merely an academic requirement; it is a pathway for self-discovery and future orientation. Post-graduation, I aspire to be involved in research projects that apply my classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios,” she reflected.

Universities Leading the Charge in STEM Education

In response to the growing need for STEM education initiatives, universities are increasingly focusing on fostering engagement among students. Numerous activities related to STEM are being organized for high school students throughout the city to spark their interest.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tao Quang Bang, head of the Da Nang Department of Science, Technology, and International Cooperation at the University of Science and Technology, has emphasized the importance of integrating STEM education into general curricula. In collaboration with the Da Nang Department of Education and various high schools, they have initiated scientific conferences and tech exhibitions aimed at enriching student knowledge and igniting passion for STEM disciplines.

The Path Forward

To bolster female participation in STEM fields, Dr. Dinh Thi My Huong advocates for enhanced STEM education for girls at the high school level. She emphasizes creating networking opportunities with successful female role models in STEM, developing supportive policies, and fostering environments conducive to equal participation.

By investing more resources into STEM education and supportive policies for businesses, the groundwork can be laid for cultivating a new generation of female leaders in science and technology, ultimately positioning Vietnam as a vibrant center for innovation in the region.