Current Landscape of Women in STEM

Globally, women account for approximately 33.3% of individuals involved in scientific research. Nevertheless, they often face disparities in the distribution of grants and scholarships compared to their male counterparts. Current statistics indicate that women make up only 12% of members in national academies of science, according to UN data.

In the realm of education, women represent 35% of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. In Spain, the proportion of female STEM graduates aged 20 to 29 was recorded at 13% in 2020, significantly lower than the 32.6% for men, based on INE figures from 2022. During the 2022-2023 academic year, women comprised the majority of students in health and biology-related disciplines, yet only 14.6% of those enrolled in computer science and less than 30% in various engineering programs such as telecommunications and aerospace.

At a European level, women account for an average of 32.8% of STEM higher education graduates, with a marginal increase of only 0.3% from 2020 to 2021 as reported by Eurostat.

Barriers to Advancement in Technical Fields

Despite the growing need for technology talent, women represent only 28% of doctoral candidates in engineering and 40% in computer science on a global scale. In Spain, these figures stand at 31.78% and 23%, respectively. In specialized fields such as artificial intelligence, the proportion of female professionals is even lower, at just 22%. While 52% of those engaged in science and technology in the EU are women, they constitute only 41% of the complete pool of scientists and engineers. Additionally, in 2022, women working in STEM fields represented just 5.5% of the total employed female demographic in Spain.

Understanding the Root Causes

Several gender stereotypes contribute to the underrepresentation of women in STEM. Early social conditioning may influence girls to perceive science and technology as uninteresting or beyond their capabilities. A study conducted by NESET, an advisory body for the European Commission, revealed that regardless of their actual performance, girls in secondary education and college often exhibit less confidence in their STEM capabilities compared to boys.

“Over the years, girls start to believe that the sciences are not for them, that they aren’t good at them, or that the sciences are boring. There are different reasons for this. I would point to three: women set higher standards for ourselves; there is a generalized bias about science (boring and hard), and a second bias, which is fortunately less common, against professions that are not considered feminine,” said Alicia Mancheño, a member of the Technovation Girls Advisory Board.

Importance of Education in Overcoming Stereotypes

Education is vital in dismantling these stereotypes, especially as interest in scientific careers among girls tends to decline around age 16. A Microsoft study in the UK highlighted that girls’ enthusiasm for scientific paths significantly decreases during this period. Participants noted that the educational focus shifts towards test preparation, which detracts from fostering a genuine interest in science.

Carmen López, Head of Engineering at BBVA Spain, emphasizes, “The education system does not emphasize the significance of scientific knowledge.”