Arshad Mahmood Awan

Today marks the 10th annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the persistent gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Despite growing numbers of women and girls pursuing higher education, the gender divide in STEM continues to undermine their full participation and growth in crucial professions that are shaping the future of the world. The occasion highlights a stark truth: While the number of girls graduating from primary to upper secondary education has increased dramatically in recent years, with girls outperforming boys in reading and matching their performance in mathematics, women still represent only 35% of STEM graduates globally, according to data from UNESCO.

The statistics paint a worrying picture of a society where girls and women are being educated in an environment that, while inclusive in terms of numbers, fails to extend that inclusivity into the fields that will define tomorrow’s economy. Women are still underrepresented in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, where they account for a mere 22% of professionals. With STEM disciplines increasingly driving global prosperity, shaping industries, and creating the technologies that will determine the future of education, healthcare, transportation, and more, this gender gap is an alarming barrier to women’s participation in critical societal development.

The education system, it seems, is letting women into the classrooms of today but excluding them from the technological spaces that are constructing the world of tomorrow. This presents a dual challenge: not only does it limit women’s autonomy and equitable participation in a rapidly changing society, but it also robs STEM fields of diverse perspectives that could be instrumental in fostering innovation and solving global issues. The result is that key technologies and systems are more likely to embed gender biases, which could perpetuate inequality in the systems that drive industries, healthcare, and education.

This gender imbalance in STEM is not only a problem for developing countries but also a persistent challenge in the most developed nations. Even in societies where women have gained considerable ground in education and the workforce, the STEM gender gap remains entrenched. This issue becomes even more pronounced in countries like Pakistan, where women and girls still struggle with access to basic education and opportunities. Pakistan’s current educational landscape reflects a dire need for change. As of 2021, only 10% or fewer of women in Pakistan completed secondary education, and they accounted for just 24% of the workforce. This inequality deepens further in technical fields, with women occupying only 14-16% of professional roles in manufacturing and services. In STEM-related professions, the disparity is even more significant, leaving women to navigate an uphill battle when it comes to accessing equal opportunities in these vital fields.

The path to closing this gap in Pakistan, and globally, is not simple. It requires a multi-faceted approach that begins with broadening the educational pathways for girls and women. Expanding access to education is fundamental, but it is only the first step. The true challenge lies in increasing opportunities and providing the support necessary for women to thrive in STEM careers. Targeted interventions such as scholarships, mentorship, and internship programs specifically designed to support women pursuing STEM degrees and careers are crucial for making real progress.

Moreover, combating long-held societal stereotypes about “appropriate” careers for women is equally important. Despite the growing presence of educated women in various fields, many still face the deeply ingrained notion that careers in fields like education, healthcare, or the arts are more “suitable” for them than careers in science, technology, or engineering. This mindset perpetuates the idea that women’s professional aspirations should align with traditional roles, further hindering their progress in STEM disciplines. These outdated beliefs need to be confronted and corrected, especially given the growing body of evidence that women, when given the opportunity, excel in STEM fields and can drive innovation.

The solution lies in creating a supportive environment where women and girls can envision themselves as part of the technological landscape and be given the tools to succeed. This means not only offering scholarships and internships but also providing mentorship programs that connect female students with women already working in STEM fields. These role models can help break down barriers and show that success in STEM is not just possible for women—it’s achievable.

Perhaps the most powerful way to combat these societal barriers is by showcasing women who have succeeded in STEM careers. Success stories of women thriving in tech, engineering, and science are essential in shifting perceptions and inspiring future generations. By highlighting these women as role models, society can help normalize the presence of women in these fields and create a more welcoming atmosphere for the next generation of innovators.

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Countries with strong STEM economies, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Finland, and Singapore, have long recognized the importance of gender diversity in the field. In these nations, women have made significant strides in closing the gender gap in education and employment, thanks in part to systematic efforts to make STEM more accessible and supportive for women. Countries like Pakistan can take inspiration from these examples, adapting them to local contexts and challenges.

Furthermore, the global conversation around gender inequality in STEM should be a catalyst for policy changes that prioritize women’s participation in these fields. Governments, universities, and industry leaders must work together to create inclusive policies that promote women’s access to education and professional development. This might include increasing funding for women-specific research projects, ensuring equitable access to technology and resources for women in rural areas, and fostering networks that help women connect across borders and sectors.

Women’s participation in STEM is not just an issue of equity; it is an economic imperative. As the world increasingly shifts towards a knowledge-based economy, women’s exclusion from these sectors reduces their potential contribution to future growth and innovation. With the rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and other transformative technologies, women’s voices must be heard in the creation of the systems and solutions that will drive the future. Without them, we risk creating a future that lacks balance, diversity, and fairness.

The gender gap in STEM is not an insurmountable challenge. It requires concerted effort from governments, educational institutions, and private sector players to create an environment where women and girls are not only included in education but are also given the support and opportunities needed to succeed in STEM careers. Women are already excelling in classrooms around the world; the next step is to ensure that they can break through the barriers that have kept them out of the technologies shaping our future. It’s time to make gender parity in STEM not just a goal, but a reality.