Did you know that women make up nearly half of the world's population and nearly the same percentage of the US workforce? However, only about 25% of STEM professionals in the US are women.
#STEMToo
Female students in STEM programs are nearly 20% more likely to drop out, and women tend to have shorter STEM careers than men. These statistics highlight the need for gender diversity in STEM and the importance of addressing the systemic barriers that women face in the field.
#WomenInSTEM
Research shows that women in STEM professions frequently report experiences with sexual harassment from their male coworkers, systemic discrimination, bias (both conscious as well as unconscious), and a lack of career advancement. It's time to challenge the outdated belief that STEM jobs are only for men.
While there has been progress since WWII, there is still much work to be done to address STEM workplace cultures to accommodate women and minorities. Their experiences are not contrived or falsified, nor are they disgruntled, inept, or unskilled just because they made a stand and said enough was enough.
#BreakingBarriers