Have you heard about the gender gap in the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics?

Globally, 8 out of 10 of the highest paying jobs are STEM jobs, meaning that STEM has areas of opportunity that allow people to succeed and achieve higher salaries. However, for women worldwide, a gender gap keeps them from having these opportunities.

Statistics show that in the United States, 9% of girls between the ages of 13 and 17 are interested in a career in STEM, a remarkably low percentage. Other studies mention that 2 out of every 3 women who choose a career in STEM do not finish their studies or decide to change careers to some other area such as the arts, communication, marketing, advertising, among others.

The reasons why there are fewer women in STEM are diverse. From socially defined stereotypes around what women should do or what they should pursue, to the idea that simply math or science is better suited to men.

From a young age, girls receive messages that will shape and mold them as they grow up. They are taught that girls are princesses, that they are mothers, wives. They are not taught that in addition to being able to be that, they can also be astronauts, engineers, doctors and many other professions that belong to the STEM world.  These factors are causal to the gap that exists as they promote a lack of self-confidence. They grow without thinking they can be more of what society awards them.

It is necessary to instill in them the curiosity and motivation to discover a world that will allow them to achieve dreams and goals that may seem far away.

But why is STEM education for girls important?

1. It helps them gain confidence in themselves and their potential while encouraging them to push and challenge themselves.
2. It opens up a myriad of career and educational options.
3. It allows them to develop necessary skills: critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and innovative thinking, among others. These skills will encourage them to find solutions to real-world problems. 

STEM has become an economic engine worldwide as these areas have created technologies that have helped and will continue to help society’s growth. In addition, they will benefit the existence of individuals. 

STEM is the future. It’s an opportunity for personal and professional growth. It’s the chance to find solutions that have an impact. Breaking down gender barriers in STEM will generate a new educational approach that will benefit their future and all of society.