Challenges for women in STEM and absent role models
Examining gender disparities and the vital role of female role models in advancing women's representation across STEM disciplines globally.
Challenges for Women in STEM in the Global North vs. the Global South
This chapter offers a detailed comparative analysis of the challenges women face in science and industry, highlighting contrasting experiences in the Global South (GS) and the Global North (GN). It emphasizes key aspects of gender gaps and the systemic barriers women encounter in these fields.
The chapter adopts a metadata-driven approach to examine ongoing challenges and inequalities across both industrial and academic sectors. It begins by analyzing postcolonial patriarchal social structures that create gender-biased opportunities and exclusionary practices. This analysis explores how gender issues, cultural misogyny, and societal divisions contribute to the underrepresentation of women in academia and industry.
It then investigates the gender-specific impacts and unique consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on women.
In conclusion, the chapter discusses the effects of these challenges and reviews the progress made across different areas. It evaluates the extent to which these issues persist, particularly in relation to achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality, as part of the 2030 Agenda.
Where Are the Women Role Models in STEM?
This paper addresses the question of where women role models in STEM can be found. It is well established that role models in specific fields provide motivation and confidence to challenge social norms that may impose limitations on a group’s academic aspirations.
The underrepresentation of women in STEM is a widespread global issue. These dynamics are clearly visible in public discourse within the Global North (GN). However, as with many postcolonial dynamics, these systemic limitations are often more pronounced in the Global South (GS), where they receive comparatively less attention.
Gender bias is a foundational driver of women’s invisibility in STEM fields and a primary barrier to their progress. While role models can be found in many places, female role models—particularly those from GS countries—are more often visible in GN contexts.
In some countries, the percentage of female immigration has increased significantly over the past decade. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United States, Australia, Canada, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and Portugal are among the leading destinations for female immigrants from the GS.
Women educators, who dedicate themselves to advancing STEM understanding from primary education through to higher education, are on the front lines of breaking cycles of systemic exclusion. Women scientists who have shattered glass ceilings, navigated glass cliffs, and made significant contributions at multiple levels serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for future generations—particularly for girls and women.
The state of the world requires the full utilization of our collective social capital. With global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and the need for adaptive and sustainable policies, diverse perspectives are essential.
The presence of female role models plays a critical role in this journey. They inspire future generations of scientists and help reshape limiting paradigms. While progress has been made, continued vigilance is necessary to address ongoing challenges and to strive for a future where science truly reflects the diversity of the world it seeks to understand and improve.
Our stories need to be told—and heard.
