Women in STEM - what to do to not fall behind?

Closing the Gender Gap in STEM

According to a 2023 UNESCO report, less than 30% of women globally choose to study or work in STEM fields. In Vietnam, the figure is slightly higher - around 37%, but still clearly reflects gender inequality in career choices. This gap is not simply a difference in numbers, but also the result of a long-standing chain of barriers: from social prejudice, lack of support resources, limitations in orientation education to the absence of inspirational role models.

In the school environment, many female students still hesitate to choose engineering majors because they are afraid of “difficulties” or “men do better”. Meanwhile, in the labor market, technology companies have not really created an equal working environment and encouraged women to develop in the long term. If this situation continues, it will lose a potential workforce in a field that is seriously lacking in high-quality human resources.

In that context, the STEMherVN project implemented by the Management and Sustainable Development Institute (MSD) since 2022 has become a bright spot in the effort to narrow the gender gap in the STEM field in Vietnam. Because STEMherVN does not stop at communication sessions, but is also systematic with a series of activities: training, mentoring, career guidance, practical experience...

Recently, at the media event “Women in STEM - Equally Creative”, nearly 200 female students from high schools and colleges in Ho Chi Minh City participated in a series of activities to explore, learn and connect with inspirational people - from university students to business experts. Through this, they not only “listen to know”, but also “experience to believe” in their own abilities and potential in the STEM field.

Mr. Thang Ha - Representative of MiTek Vietnam Group shared: “STEM is not just dry knowledge, but also a space for creativity, development and continuous innovation. Gender diversity is a key factor in promoting technological breakthroughs”.

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Reality has proven that women can absolutely achieve outstanding achievements in STEM. Most recently, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hoai and Dr. Ha Thi Thanh Huong, two female scientists from the International University - Ho Chi Minh City National University - were honored at the Vietnam Women's Award, with inventions and innovations of high scientific and practical value, leading the "green revolution" to make positive contributions to the community.

This shows that the problem is not about ability, but about opportunity - the opportunity to access, be oriented and supported to develop. In the age of AI, big data, automation, falling behind is not only a loss of opportunity for individuals, but also a waste of national resources.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the project has selected 16 outstanding female students who are oriented to study STEM majors to become project ambassadors. Nguyen Mai Anh, a student of class 10B7 at Duong Van Duong High School, representing the STEMherVN High School Ambassador, shared: “Before joining the project, I was worried about whether science was right for me or not. I was afraid that girls would encounter more difficulties when pursuing this field. But thanks to STEMherVN, I have changed my mind and understood that passion does not discriminate by gender, as long as there is determination and effort, anyone can conquer the challenges in science and technology.”

Nguyen Hoang Phuong Trinh, a student from Ho Chi Minh City University of Science - STEMherVN University Ambassador 2024, shared her thoughts after participating in the project: “In a world of constantly developing technology, you can absolutely pursue your passion in science, programming and engineering - fields that can change the world. Whether you are in high school or university, learning, being patient and daring to dream big will open up unlimited opportunities. We believe that education is not only the path to creating the future, but also the inspiration for you to overcome all limits.”

From the above perspectives, it can be seen that women do not need “priority” or “special support” – they just need a fair chance to demonstrate their abilities. Because when invisible barriers are removed, they will be the ones creating miracles, leading innovation and contributing to building a more sustainable world.

Ms. Tran Van Anh, Deputy Director of the Institute for Management and Sustainable Development (MSD), emphasized: “Women are completely capable of being as creative as men in STEM fields. However, due to social barriers and prejudices, women's participation in this field is much less than that of men, leading to a lack of representation in these industries. Therefore, the STEMherVN project aims to support and accompany female students in their journey to pursue their passion and develop their strengths in STEM, helping them improve their confidence, skills and opportunities to explore this interesting and potential field.”

Reality shows that if we want women not to fall behind in STEM, we need to take synchronous action at many levels, from early education and non-prejudiced career orientation (schools need to promote STEM education from junior high school, while integrating gender equality content to inspire confidence and scientific curiosity in female students), support from businesses and the community (businesses should prioritize recruiting and developing female talent, while building flexible working policies and a learning environment that is friendly to women)...

But the most important thing is still the national policy on equal education with the strong participation of education and labor management agencies to create a long-term and inclusive policy system, aiming for a future where no one is left behind.

Hong Minh

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/nu-gioi-trong-stem-lam-gi-de-khong-tut-hau-post545303.html