It’s high time to put concrete effort towards getting more girls into Stem

IN THE ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation, the demand for skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem) continues to soar. However, as we stride into the future, a noticeable gender gap persists, limiting the potential contributions of women to these crucial fields.

While progress has been made in various sectors in recent years, there is still room for improvement in giving women access to opportunities within the Stem ecosystem.

A study that United Women Singapore (UWS) commissioned on building a supportive ecosystem for girls in Stem found that only 45 per cent of women pursue a Stem-based degree, and of these, only 58 per cent advance into Stem careers. Intergeneration, exposure, and misunderstandings of the Stem industry were identified as the three key barriers – these must be addressed urgently.

Stem fields are at the forefront of addressing global challenges, and innovation is the engine that propels progress. As we grapple with problems such as climate change, healthcare crises, and technological advancements, diverse perspectives are essential. Encouraging women to contribute to Stem innovation is not just about equality; it is about unlocking untapped potential that can lead to groundbreaking discoveries.

It’s crucial to take proactive initiatives to bridge this gap. UN Women runs programmes that focus on equipping young women with the skills and knowledge needed for jobs that don’t yet exist. By partnering with industry leaders, we ensure that our participants receive real-world insights, mentoring, and hands-on experiences that prepare them for the dynamic landscape of the Stem industry.

How can companies address the gender gap in Stem?

To begin with, companies in the Stem sector can organise mentorships, industry-academic institution collaborations, job attachments, and internships for younger girls. These will provide the guidance and clarity they need to pursue Stem education and careers.

Initiatives such as opening labs and offices to field visits for students, as well as outreach programmes in collaboration with organisations like UWS can also help build the talent pipeline of women in Stem. One thing I’m grateful for is the normalisation of flexible work arrangements, which is a great thing for work-life balance.

Turning inwards, companies can highlight the multiple academic pathways to Stem careers, emphasise growth and progression opportunities for female employees, and ensure equal pay and transparency in organisational culture. In-house mentoring and sponsorship programmes would also go a long way to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for women in Stem.

The power of mentoring, and in mindset change

One of the key components in empowering young women in Stem is the creation of robust support networks. Exposure to successful women who are pioneers in these fields can be a game-changer for aspiring girls. Through our programmes, we’ve established a mentoring network that connects young girls with women in Stem. These mentors serve as role models, providing guidance, inspiration, and practical advice on navigating the challenges of a Stem career.

But there aren’t too many of these mentors

What I see at the moment is something of a Catch-22, however: Women are inspired when they see females in leadership roles, but there is slow growth in the number of women leaders who could serve as role models to these young ladies.

Having said that, there have been some high-profile women making inroads into leadership roles in male-dominated industries, such as space tech and cybersecurity, which is encouraging.

Boards are now recognising the importance of diversity, and seek directors with domain expertise in tech and innovation. This bodes well for women aspiring to enter the Stem sector.

Part of this process lies also in changing mindsets and increasing awareness, including among parents. We need to debunk misperceptions of Stem careers, like even the surprisingly basic notion that engineering involves heavy lifting or extensive fieldwork.

Thankfully, though, we’re seeing that parents are becoming more supportive of getting their daughters into Stem, especially those who show inclination, interest and strength in those fields. Recent research we did showed that 84 per cent of parents we polled in Singapore agree with the imperative of increasing the number of women in Stem.

How do we prepare girls for jobs in Stem that do not yet exist? We can’t necessarily pinpoint what these will be, but what we can do is impart generalisable skills. These include

• critical thinking,
• creativity,
• communication,
• collaboration,
• analytical skills,
• decision making,
• adaptability,
• problem solving,
• self-confidence,
• ethics,
• strong leadership,
• people management,
• customer orientation,
• innovation,
• negotiation,
• social responsibility, and
• cognitive flexibility.

The aforementioned, defined collectively as 21st century competencies, form the “arts” in the interdisciplinary approach known as Steam (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). We advocate a holistic education model that embraces Steam, providing a well-rounded foundation for young women to thrive in the Stem landscape.

The hurdles women face still very much exist

As UWS president, my journey in women advocacy has been fuelled by a passion for creating a more inclusive world. Having witnessed first-hand the hurdles women face, I am committed to driving change.

Through my work with UWS, I have seen the transformative power of education and mentorship in unlocking the potential of young women. I firmly believe that by nurturing talent and fostering supportive ecosystems, we can pave the way for a more equitable future.

The imperative to prepare young women for the jobs of the future within the Stem ecosystem is clear. We must not only bridge the existing gender gap, but also actively cultivate innovation and provide unwavering support to empower the next generation of women in Stem.

Let us collectively invest in initiatives that prepare young women for the dynamic Stem landscape, drive innovation through diversity, and establish strong support networks that propel them to success. Together, we can create a future where women stand at the forefront of Stem, contributing their unique perspectives and talents to shape a more sustainable and inclusive world.

The writer is president of United Women Singapore