International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Do the preparation task first. Then read the article and do the exercises.
Preparation
In 2016, the UN declared 11 February as International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The main reason for this declaration was to encourage more girls and women to take up jobs in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (also known as the STEM subjects). Figures show that although there is no significant difference in ability between boys and girls in maths and science, less than 35 per cent of graduates in STEM subjects worldwide are women and there are even fewer in engineering and information technology.
Why is it important to involve more women and girls in science?
When one group of people dominates a field of study, whether it's an age group, a cultural group or a gender, there is danger of creating a narrow view of the subject. Including more women in male-dominated areas will bring in fresh points of view, new talent and creativity. It can also help increase women's social and financial position in some countries.
Why aren't more girls taking up careers in STEM subjects?
This is a difficult and complicated question. A number of answers have been suggested.
Early years
Some suggest that girls have less experience of activities and toys that encourage an interest in science. Others suggest that girls are more critical of their abilities and tend to underestimate themselves, so they might not think they're 'good enough' to study a STEM subject at university.
Making choices at school
Studies found that girls' test results in science subjects were as good as boys'. But since they often also do well in other subjects, girls have more choices when deciding what to study. This has an obvious influence on their future choice in jobs.
Entering the world of work
Another factor could be the fact that the thought of being one of a small minority on a university course, or in a job, may discourage girls from preparing for a career in research or engineering. There is a common fear that if you are in a minority, you will suffer discrimination and you will need to work much harder in order to succeed.
What can be done to encourage girls to take up science as a career?
There are a number of things that can be done to encourage girls to consider a career in science.
Early years
Parents and schools can introduce all children – boys and girls – to activities and toys that encourage them to build and make things and get them interested in exploring the world around them and how it works.
Making choices at school
A number of organisations send women scientists to talk to girls at school about their work. Some schools encourage older girls who are studying STEM subjects to talk to younger students in their schools about their passion for their subject. University and research facilities open their laboratories to schools so that the students can experience hands-on scientific research.
Entering the world of work
More and more workplaces and science departments are using mentor programmes to help and support women when they are working in a minority. Women in senior roles are often very keen to offer support to younger women entering their field.
Role models
Probably one of the most important things is to make sure that girls see plenty of examples of successful women scientists in the news and in the media.
If you want to find out more about women in science and this special day, look for #WomenInScience on social media.
I know a digital book that talks about women scientists, and I think it is good encouragement to start at home. Children like to hear stories before going to sleep. Why not a book about women scientists?
In my opinion, the early years are the most important, as this is when we develop our personality. At this age, messages are absorbed in a different way, with the power to transform. Through reading, girls and boys understand that becoming a scientist is possible. This is especially important for girls.
In addition, the message comes from parents, who are the most trustworthy people for them. I don’t know the name of a woman scientist from my country, but I have women scientists as friends. I am very proud of them, especially because science is not highly valued in my country.
Not long ago, I wanted to be a scientist. However, life guided me in another direction 🙂
Possible solutions:
There are several ways to encourage more women and girls to study science. Schools can offer stronger support and introduce positive role models by inviting women scientists to talk about their work. Families also play an important role by motivating girls to explore science from an early age. In addition, governments and organisations can provide scholarships and create more opportunities for women to enter and succeed in scientific fields.
Famous women scientists from my country:
One well‑known woman scientist from my country is Maryam Mirzakhani, an exceptional mathematician who became the first woman in history to receive the Fields Medal, the most prestigious award in mathematics. Her achievements have inspired many young girls in my country and around the world to follow their passion for science.
Can you think of any other possible solutions? Education, education, education!
Do you know of any famous women scientists from your country? Yes, there are a lot of women, as Rita Levi Montalcini, Margherita Hack, Fabiola Gianotti, Elena Cattaneo, etc.
I think as the article says we should encourage girls to study STEM as should as possible. Also reward them of their good jobs . And help the take up science as a career
I think to increase the encouragement of girls and women in the STEM filed, I believe that multi-level approach necessary:
early childhood development: involve parents in early childhood development sessions strong focuses on the science activities, as the family environment to shapes the child's initial understanding of the world.
education process: conduct training for math and science teachers' to improve the learning process and enhancement for universities curriculum by adding laboratories subjects. On the governmental level provides more jobs opportunities for women in high salary in STEM Field.
As the article says, it's very important to create successful women forums to talk about the success stories in the science field, this could encourage to more women to take the path of a STEM carreer.
Can you think of any other possible solutions? Do you know of any famous women scientists from your country?
I'm from India 60% of girls and women select science stem and she doing work hard for achieving our ambition. and here without hard-working nothing progress in this stream. women always achieve whatever they want.
Amina Çuliqi ( Future STEM subject university student )
Thanks for the great blog and for drawing attention to this problematic of girls' education career worldwide. I think that the problem's roots go deep down at they key factor that is cultural development of each country. In some countries it is taught since childhood that girls only get to tend dolls, inspiring them to become doctors, nurses, teachers or just housewives; meanwhile boys are given toys such as cars and robots which naturally increase their interest and knowledge in technology and engeeniring, leading them to become who they are today. I think the old generation should be educated with the idea that is okay for young females to pursue the path of technology or else the next generation will be deprived of so many bright and innovative female minds. It's such a shame that women aren't pushed to be interested in the future technology, especially considering the fact that we live in a very developed world, full of choices and opportunities. I'm very thankful that I'm part of the women who have chosen to contribute in the field of science and engineering.
I live in Brazil and here we have some women in science so it could be bigger but unfortunately there are many cultural hurdling to win. I believe that it could start do be better if our government invest in education, technology and teachers carees. So for the girls that choice study science we need to keep better oportunities to in the future we have more balance between mens and womens in science.
Lately, in my countrie, the goberment had promoted the development of the woman in field of steam by generanting job offers with good remuneration for womans. Furthermore, in the goberment job announcements they require dues of gender.