Few women in STEM fields – PS
STATISTICS globally reveal that just 15 per cent of engineering graduates, 19 per cent of technology and mathematics and 38 per cent of computer studies are females.
The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection permanent secretary Eseta Nadakuitavuki highlighted this while addressing the Pacific Women in Power panel discussion at USP Laucala Campus this week.
“Locally, from primary to high school, girls and boys do not significantly differ in their abilities in mathematics and science, but do differ in their interest and confidence in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects,” she said.
“Up until the recent past, we would see the entire class of girls choosing Home Economics over Technical Drawing or Vernacular/Secretarial Studies over Computer Science, wouldn’t we?
“But it is truly pleasing to know that this is now changing.
“The rates of science and engineering course taking for females largely shifts at the undergraduate level and that is where gender disparities begin to emerge.
“In an era when women are increasingly prominent in medicine, law, and business, why are there so few women scientists, engineers and leaders in STEM fields including the energy sector, one may ask?
“Some researches present compelling evidence that profiles key findings that point to environmental and social barriers including stereotypes, gender bias, and the climate of science and engineering departments in colleges and universities that continue to block women’s progress in STEM.”