Women make up only 34% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). While this is up from 28% two years ago, it is still significantly less than the existing overall percentage of women, and men vastly outnumber women majoring in most STEM fields in college. The gender gaps are particularly high in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paid jobs of the future, like computer science and engineering.
Women in STEM Occupations
Biological Scientists 46%
Chemists & Materials Scientists 40.4%
Computer & Mathematical Occupations 25.2%
Engineers & Architects 16.5%
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employed persons by detailed occupation, sex, race, and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity,”
Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey, Table 11, 2020.
A typical STEM worker earns two-thirds more than those employed in other fields, according to Pew Research Center. And some of the highest-earning STEM occupations, such as computer science and engineering, have the lowest percentages of women workers. Giving women equal opportunities to pursue and succeed in STEM careers helps narrow the gender pay gap, enhances women’s economic security, ensures a diverse and talented STEM workforce and prevents biases in these fields and the products and services they produce.
To help close the STEM Gap, it is important that girls and women are given the skills and confidence to succeed in math and science. There should be improvements in STEM education and support for girls starting in early education and through K-12. Every student should be exposed to engineering and computer science, and Next Generation Science Standards. Classes should be taught by connecting STEM experiences to girls’ lives, promoting active, hands-on learning and emphasizing ways STEM is collaborative and community-oriented.
AAUW also suggests expanding after-school and summer STEM opportunities for girls. They suggest Increasing awareness of higher education and career opportunities, pathway opportunities, role models and mentoring programs with women in STEM for girls.
While there have been some advances, more efforts need to be made to help women close the STEM gap. Educational consultants can help encourage young women with academic aptitudes and interests in math, science, computers and engineering to explore career paths they may not have considered for their future.
