The contribution of women in different fields like sociology, biology, medicine and law has been significant over time. Women make up about 50.7 % of the current medical student population; more than 1 in 3 lawyers are women. However, the percentage of women in STEM fields is surprisingly low.
While women receive over half of bachelor’s degrees awarded in the biological sciences, they receive far fewer in the computer sciences (17.9%), engineering (19.3%), physical sciences (39%) and mathematics (43.1%). Women remain underrepresented in the science and engineering workforce, although to a lesser degree than in the past, with the greatest disparities occurring in engineering, computer science, and the physical sciences. Women make up half of the total U.S. college-educated workforce, but only 29% of the science and engineering workforce. Female scientists and engineers are concentrated in different occupations than are men, with relatively high shares of women in the social sciences (62%) and biological, agricultural, and environmental life sciences (48%) and relatively low shares in engineering (15%) and computer and mathematical sciences (25%). This article focuses on the reasons for this gender gap and problems that women must overcome in order to succeed in STEM fields.
Firstly, stereotyping threat is a big problem where women are concerned. Women are negatively stereotyped in the workforce and therefore when it comes to evaluating their performance, this acts as a deterrent. Implicit bias is rampant in technology fields. Stereotype threat is one compelling explanation for why women remain underrepresented in STEM fields. Many people claim they do not believe the stereotype that girls and women are not as good as boys and men in math and science. However, even individuals who consciously refute gender and science stereotypes can still hold that belief at an unconscious level.
Secondly, women face restrictions due to the way their bodies are made. For example, a woman might give birth and might need to take a year or so off from work to care for herself and the baby. Physically, women of child bearing age undergo more stress than their male counterparts. Unfortunately, the child bearing age for women is also when they are their fittest and can contribute to their careers to the maximum. So, trade-offs might need to be made and priorities might change to push careers lower in the list.
Thirdly, Women have more responsibilities than men do where family life is concerned. There was a time when women simply cooked and took care of the kids while men were the sole breadwinner of the family. Surprisingly, this is still a culture in a few developing countries. There are countries where women are still not respected for who they are, let alone permit them to work in STEM fields. Traditionally, they are perceived as seamstresses, cooks and maids. Though the gender gap in the US is significantly lower than in developing countries, under-represented women still do face similar issues.
Lastly, women are discriminated against based on their looks and their dressing sense. Women who are older are discriminated against. Younger women are perceived as unexperienced. Women who are not assertive are not taken seriously. Women are also less likely to apply for new positions or ask for a pay raise. Inadequate maternity and women health plans in technology companies also impact women’s decision to join a firm.
In conclusion, barriers for women in STEM fields do exist and are particularly common in developing countries. A change of mindset and attitude is necessary to fully encourage women in these fields and GirlCoders does surely seem to be bringing about significant impact!
By Priya T.