February holds one of the most important holidays of the month…and no, we don’t mean Valentine’s Day. Each February, we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, where women worldwide are empowered and celebrated, specifically in the field of STEM. If you didn’t know about this day of recognition, below, SSi People shares important information about hiring women in STEM.
Let’s Talk Numbers!
Women in STEM Courses
In order to get an idea of what it looks like to be a woman in STEM, let’s take a look at where the trajectory usually starts: education.
According to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IEDPS), women represented 45% of students majoring in STEM in 2020, up from 40% in 2010 to 34% in 1994. However, it’s also vital to look not only at the number of women in these courses but also at the ones who graduate and progress from these classes or programs.
FACTS
- The number of female STEM graduates in the 2020-21 school year was 276,429, and the male graduate count was 514,323.
- In 2021, women comprised just 15% of engineering professionals and 25% of computing workers.
- According to the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report, women constitute only 29.2% of the STEM workforce in 146 nations.
- Society of Women Engineers notes that “life science occupations, such as biological sciences, has reached parity,” showing a 55% representation, but fields in architecture and engineering and computer and math roles are increasing much more slowly at 16.7% and 26.9%, respectively.
Up and Coming Courses to Advance Women in Stem
Leadership and Innovation
To grow this community of women is through the best way it has always been done: women advocating for one another. Leadership courses are being tailored for women in these fields. Some focus on effective communication and problem-solving, while others incorporate case studies of successful women, gender bias workshops, or team management strategies to provide insights that can help navigate the challenges women face in STEM careers.
Cybersecurity
With technology growing more than ever, the importance of digital security is skyrocketing. Therefore, courses focused on equipping women with the skills to protect digital assets and counter cyber threats have been gaining popularity. According to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, they are working to close the gender gap by enabling women to explore new possibilities in cybersecurity. Women have served across many roles in this industry through “planning and analysis that supports the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, leading a team that drafted the Blueprint for a Secure Cuber Future,” and so much more.
STEM Roles to Pursue
Given the advancements that we have had for Women in STEM, however, women still remain underrepresented in STEM occupations and earn less than men in these jobs. Given the emerging roles offering women unparalleled opportunities to shape the future, we aim to shift this trend.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialists
As we all know, AI is expanding quickly, moving beyond simple computing jobs to more complicated problem-solving in not only the tech sector but also healthcare, finance, environmental science, and more. Women can take AI and contribute to this cutting-edge technology through “deep learning, natural language processing, and creating new algorithms.”
No matter your background, whether it’s in engineering or data science, there is a place for women STEM professionals. AI depends on both of these backgrounds to make informed judgments and ensure these AI technologies are being used effectively and fairly. Not only does AI rely on women in STEM, but the diversity of perspectives that comes with having women in STEM is critical for effectiveness.
A Deloitte AI Institute study highlights how “having a team with diverse perspectives is better at challenging assumptions and identifying problems to solve with AI .” Specifically, having women on these teams brings insights that are missing in AI and can allow artificial intelligence to develop results that can have more of an impact on larger audiences.
How to Recruit More Women in STEM
Have Inclusive Job Descriptions
First impressions matter. When it comes to applying for a job, that impression tends to be weighed on the job description. Ensuring that your post includes gender-neutral language is essential. This is done by avoiding gender-coded words such as “chairman” rather than “chairperson.” It can also be done by eliminating words such as “competitive” and “dominate,” which are often connected to a masculine connotation. Initiating this diversity and inclusion will make a difference in recognizing and changing the difference between attracting just men to these STEM roles.
Leverage Diverse Recruitment Channels
- Partner with Women-led Organizations: Collaborate with organizations, networks, and societies dedicated to supporting women in STEM, such as Women Who Code or the Society of Women Engineers, to advertise vacancies.
- Engage in Campus Recruitment: Participate in career fairs and networking events at colleges and universities, particularly those with strong STEM programs for women.
- Utilize Social Media and Forums: Promote open positions on platforms popular among women in STEM, using hashtags and content that resonate with the community.
It’s critical that IT staffing organizations continue to prioritize increasing diversity in STEM roles, particularly tech and engineering, across all industry sectors, expanding their tech reach. At SSi People, our team provides a distinct approach to talent recruiting solutions, prioritizing the advancement of women in STEM. Contact us today to discuss.
