Ten years after the United Nations General Assembly declared 11th February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the push for gender equality in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields remains an uphill battle. Despite increased awareness and initiatives, data shows that the proportion of women STEM graduates has been stagnant for a decade with women making up only 35% of STEM graduates. This persistent gap reflects barriers that limit their full participation in these fields.
While the demand for STEM professionals is growing, the talent pipeline is falling behind. UNESCO data highlights the shortage of skilled workers in technology-related sectors fueling the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This shortage is further exacerbated by systemic biases against women scientists that prevent their advancement in STEM fields, reflecting lost talent and missed opportunities for innovation.
Beyond graduation: The barriers to career advancement
Even in economies that exhibit progressive gender parity, there are some underlying concerns. In the European Union (EU), for instance, women account for 41% of scientists and engineers. However, their representation drops significantly when it comes to self-employed professionals in STEM fields, where they constitute just over 25%. This gap calls attention to a deeper challenge, which is not just about attracting women to science and engineering but ensuring they have equal access to leadership, entrepreneurship, and independent career paths within these fields. Encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM fields is not merely about numbers; it is about dismantling systemic barriers and creating ecosystems where they can thrive on their own terms.
There is also a wide range of incentives for the inclusion of women. An inclusive STEM workforce can help boost productivity, competitiveness, and innovation. In the EU alone, increasing participation of women in STEM subjects can increase the EU GDP per capita by 2.2%-3.0%, translating to a monetary gain of €610 - €820 billion by 2050. Additionally, employment in the region would soar by 850,000 to 1,200,000 jobs (Figure 1) in the same timeframe, strengthening both innovation and economic resilience.
Figure 1 Economic and employment impact of closing gender gaps in STEM education in Europe. Source: European Institute for Gender Equality
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The AI revolution and the widening gender imbalance
Bridging the gender gap in STEM goes beyond incorporating more women into the field and extends to ensuring equal opportunities in emerging technologies that are shaping the future. Yet, one of the fastest-evolving fields within STEM, Artificial Intelligence (AI), is experiencing an even greater gender disparity. An analysis of 1.6 million AI professionals across the globe found a profound gender imbalance, with women representing only 22% of AI talent worldwide. This disparity is further reduced to 14% for senior female executive roles in AI. With AI becoming a crucial driving force in the world, reshaping the workforce, and enhancing decision-making in businesses and governments, this gender gap is critical. It demonstrates the significant loss of potential talent in one of the most transformative industries of the 21st century.
Rethinking inclusion in the digital age and the future of women in STEM
Such gender divisions do not emerge in isolation as they reflect a broader trend in digital skills and technological literacy. The Global Youth Index 2024 assessment of 40 countries shows that while familiarity with generative AI tools is rapidly increasing, with 70% of youth now using these tools for simple tasks, gender disparities in digital skills remain persistent. Males consistently outperform females, highlighting the need for accelerated efforts to remove gender inequities.
These numbers signal the existence of a critical issue in shaping the technologies of the future that can have a direct impact on society. The development of AI systems and training of algorithms without diverse input could lead to further reinforcing biases and deepening inequalities.
Addressing these disparities requires a shift in how we approach education, workforce policies, and leadership opportunities. Early exposure to digital skills, strong mentorship networks, and equitable career advancements are all essential steps toward ensuring that women are active contributors to the most progressive and impactful technologies of our time.
