Women in STEM refers to the representation of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Historically, women have been underrepresented in these fields, but their participation has been increasing since the 1970s and 1980s. Here are some key points about women in STEM:

• Women make up only 34% of the workforce in STEM fields.
• Men vastly outnumber women majoring in most STEM fields in college.
• Giving women equal opportunities to pursue and thrive 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.
• STEM fields are often viewed as masculine, and teachers and parents often underestimate girls’ math abilities starting as early as preschool. By the time students reach college, women are significantly underrepresented in STEM majors.
• Womens participation rates in STEM fields started increasing noticeably in the 1970s and 1980s. Some fields, such as biotechnology, now have almost 50% participation of women.
• Qualified teachers with specialization in STEM can positively influence girls performance and engagement with STEM education and their interest in pursuing STEM careers. Female STEM teachers often have stronger benefits for girls, possibly by acting as role models and by helping to dispel stereotypes about sex-based STEM ability.

Efforts are being made to address the gender imbalance in STEM fields. Organizations such as Women in STEM and Women in STEMM Australia aim to connect women in STEM disciplines and promote gender equity. To increase awareness of higher education and career opportunities, pathway opportunities, role models, and mentoring programs with women, especially women of color, in STEM for girls, courses and environments in STEM studies need to be designed to be more welcoming for women.