Why so Few Women in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics?

by: Joriel J. Cruz

It is true that there are few women in the field of STEM based on the graph and

research presented by the previous reporters. There are many factors that should be

consider about the number of women in the field of science, technology, engineering

and mathematics. In the chapter discussed by the them, we learned that stereotypes,

gender bias, and the climate of science and engineering departments in colleges and

universities are the factors of it. These problems continue to block women’s progress in

STEM.

The performance of an individual is affected by the type of stereotype whether it

is positive or negative stereotype. The threat arises when there is a negative stereotype.

A person will perfom poorly if there is a threat. For example, a female student having a

Math test together with men will have a burden of worry related to the stereotype that

women are not good in math. If the burden is remove, the performance of a woman will

improved. This is scenario is also showing gender bias. We all know in this society

specifically in the Philippines education system, men always excel in the field of STEM.

The perspective about gender bias in our country is slowly changing compare to the

time of our grandparents. The women in our country are starting to have place in the

field of STEM. As a matter of fact, many women are enrolled in STEM strand in Senior

High School and STEM related course in colleges and universities.

There are many way to increase the number of women in the field of STEM. Like

encourage women that knowledge and skills can be acquired, motivate the them to take
STEM in senior high school, raise awareness about gender bias against women and

removed the stereotypes regarding STEM.