Best ways to get more women in STEM

The lack of women in STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) will continue to plague our society, countries as well as the entire world until all students, regardless of sex, have adequate opportunities to explore math and science throughout elementary, middle and high school. If we want to attract the best and brightest minds into the fields that will move us forward, we must look to all of the population. More women can contribute to our field, and we can help make that happen. 

If young boys and girls are equally exposed and encouraged to study STEM, those with talent and a genuine interest in those fields will be able to develop that interest. As women become more prevalent in STEM careers, more and more young girls will begin to recognize the additional career opportunities open to them. With more women in the field, it will become more evident to young girls what they can offer the world.

Below are a few strategies for how we can help.

1.Stress that STEM careers lead to social good and meaningful careers

Mentors, parents and educators must do a better job of highlighting the impact of various STEM careers, so girls and women are armed with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their future.

2. Take charge and educate

Women can visit the websites of multiple professional organizations such as  Rwandan Association of Woman in Science and Engineering (Rawise), Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), just to name a few. These resources present a tremendous opportunity to learn a great deal about the field, about what it's like to be a woman in a specific STEM profession, about career opportunities, and so on. While it might not be as enlightening as face-to-face communication with a professional in the field, it will certainly give women an informed starting point from which they can grow.

3. Expose young girls to STEM

Correcting the negative perceptions that girls develop at a young age can, however, lead them to embrace STEM when they reach high school, rather than avoid the subjects.

Administrators and educators must strive to create environments in high school and college math and science programs that are inviting females if we want to prevent the likelihood of their choosing a different direction. We stand to gain a lot by exposing young girls to STEM fields and encouraging those who are interested to follow their hearts and minds. Simply focusing attention on one age group cannot cure all societal issues that influence career choices among females

4. Mentorship programs

Early evidence suggests that mentoring moments work. We just need to ensure that they happen consistently and continuously. It is a lifelong journey. Young girls and women studying STEM needs to have the support from mentors. We must inspire girls and women, guide them and build their self-confidence throughout their academic and professional lives. Finding a mentor early on can do wonders for building confidence and translating it into career satisfaction. The people that are chosen as mentors need to have the capacity and capability to lead young people toward success. A mentor is not only someone who is willing to spend time teaching techniques and processes, but also someone who takes an interest in long-term advancement

5. Show girls that STEM is about trial-and-error

It’s important that we show girls that STEM fields rely on trial-and-error and that they’ll rarely find a solution on the first try. Girls feel much more pressure than boys to be perfect, so we have to drive home the fact that perfect is not always necessary, and sometimes hinders the learning process. In fact, the engineering design process is all about testing a concept and readjusting when it fails.

6. Provide teachers with the tools they need

In order to meet the future demand of STEM jobs, we must ensure STEM teachers are equipped to offer hands-on and project-based learning experiences to engage girls and minority students in these subjects early on. University of Rwanda- College of Education is providing teachers with the resources they need to adequately educate students, especially those underrepresented, in STEM fields.

7. Encourage participation in special programs

Without understanding the opportunities that are available to students of math and science, young women may think they have made a mistake when facing the challenges of completing a STEM major. The good news is that current programs focused on increasing young girls' interest in those fields are tremendous. But without them, there are potential long-term consequences, even for girls who select a STEM path in college. More and more workshops are available nowadays that encourage young girls to maintain their interest in STEM fields.

8. Women role models in STEM

The lack of women in STEM – as role models, mentors, colleagues and leaders – has a dramatic impact on girls’ interest in these fields and, to some extent, their persistence in sticking with them and advancing. Young girls and women in STEM at their early stage must interactions with successful women or role models in STEM fields. We must ensure girls and young women have strong female role models to help them feel like they belong in those fields.

Have you seen any success stories where girls are supported in STEM, or are you involved in any directly? Please share in the comments area below

Written by Agnes Mbonyiryivuze