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Although more and more women have access to higher education, this does not mean that the gender gap between men and women has been eliminated. According to the UNESCO report, Cracking the code: girls' and women's education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), only 35% of STEM students are women. And of those, 3% are in careers in information and communication technologies, another 5% in mathematics and statistics, and 8% in manufacturing and construction.

UNESCO also found that women abandon their professions at much higher rates than men, even after graduating and finding work. This represents a waste of social investment and the effort in their studies, reflecting the structural problems in involving and retaining women in STEM professions. Besides, this means a loss of distinct perspectives in design, coding, innovations, and development in these professional areas.

Part of the problem has to do with perspective, as UNESCO explains: The world is designed by and for men. Essential things for everyday use, like seat belts, do not consider the size of women. Or in heavily used sources today, such as Wikipedia, only 17% of the editors are women. These are only a couple of examples of the lack of perspective in the STEM areas.

Why do girls and women need to be interested in STEM areas?

For many years, STEM careers have been stereotyped as mostly male professions because men have been deemed better in science and mathematics. This type of prejudice affects the aspirations of girls and women, who believe they are “bad” in STEM subjects. This belief impacts their sense of self-reliance and belonging, affecting their interests and aspirations.

To achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls and achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the UN proclaimed February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Part of the importance of this day is its mission to end stereotypes and show that women are just as capable as men in science and technology. The more women there are in these areas, the more the new generations of girls will feel that they belong and will be more motivated to study and pursue careers in science and technology. If girls engage themselves in activities and topics in these areas from an early age, just like boys, they are more likely to break stereotypes and have confidence that they can excel in STEM areas.