Gender Inequality in STEM

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are notorious for gender inequity.  New research proposes that out of these four career fields, engineering has the highest amount of gender inequality. 

Around 40 percent of the women who receive engineering degrees leave the field early in their career or they choose not to enter the engineering field at all.

Of the women who left their jobs in engineering, most said it was because of their work environments or because of poor treatment by managers and co-workers.  Others chose to stay home with children when they found out their companies wouldn’t support their life outside of work.

It is a major concern when so many capable minds leave their careers early.  In order to see progression in the economy, there needs to be an even mix of male and female mind power.

In order to ensure a future for women in STEM, certain steps need to be taken such as support groups focused on the recruitment of women, like UST Global’s “Step IT Up America.”

A continuous push is absolutely necessary if women are to have a future in STEM.  We, at IIR, hope to be the ones pushing.