Opinion | Why we need more women in science
Summary
Women remain underrepresented in STEM fields globally and in Nepal, with significant drops from education to employment due to systemic barriers and gender biases. Increasing women’s participation in science is essential for inclusive innovation and societal progress.
Key Points
- Women constitute about 33 percent of the STEM workforce worldwide, with lower representation in specific fields like engineering and AI.
- In Nepal, women’s participation in STEM is around 33 percent at undergraduate level but drops sharply at higher academic levels and leadership positions.
- Gender stereotypes, social norms, lack of mentorship, and insufficient policies contribute to the persistent gender gap in STEM.
- Global and national initiatives emphasize increasing women’s participation as vital for better science, safer technologies, and inclusive development.
