The year is 2021, and there is still so much inequality in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) department. I, as a woman in STEM, specifically studying and majoring in biology have seen firsthand the gender inequalities and it makes me furious. I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was little, I had a dream of helping people and giving back to my community. However, growing up I usually only saw male doctors and felt so belittled even as a young girl for even thinking I could potentially be a doctor one day. The world of STEM is predominantly male, leaving many young women to have fewer role models.
Another aspect I hear from being in advanced chemistry and biology classes (and STEM classes in general) is “Oh so you’re a know it all, huh?” It is absolutely mind-boggling how some men throw in every excuse to rise above women, even if you are incredibly intelligent and enjoy what you’re learning. Even if we girls decide to study a STEM field in college we are faced with this and many other doubts that go beyond our years in school.
I remember walking into my biochemistry class and seeing that it was a predominantly female class, however in the back of my head I couldn’t stop thinking, “Well, the three dudes in this class are most certainly getting into medical school.” Sitting in these classes in this day and age, I see they are increasingly becoming more woman-filled but then how are there still more men getting into medical schools and getting the doctor positions? How are the men the so-called “genius” computer coders? This also brings into question imposter syndrome, making me and many other women in STEM feel like we are never good enough compared to the men, especially since they’re the ones getting the job.
According to STEM statistics, women earn an annual average of $15,000 less than their male counterparts. Women make up 29% of the STEM labor force. 19% of STEM company board members are women. Get this, only 3% of STEM industry CEOs are women. Another aspect of being a woman in STEM is the lack of proper representation. Since 1901, six hundred Nobel Prizes have been awarded in STEM and only 19 went to women.
However, there is hope for the future if we just keep girl bossing! Women in board positions of STEM industries have increased 18% in the year 2020. If we just keep on pushing with the motivation we have rolling right now we are sure to change the world. We can also start closing the gender gap by talking about the issue, no more staying quiet ladies. We deserve to be able to help people, we deserve to code games, we deserve to build skyscrapers. By talking about the issue at hand more openly, the younger generation will find role models in us.
As one of the greatest girl bosses once said, “I’m at the top of my game! I’m right up there with the big dogs! Girls, come on. Leave the saving of the world to the men? I don’t think so.” -Elastigirl.
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Sources: https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/women-in-stem-statistics