In 2013 women are passing men in the number of college graduates and make up at least 47% of the work force. Yet we still lag behind in STEM fields. Why? Gender bias is real.
There are three main parts to this issue
1. The misconception that boys are naturally better at math. This has been proven time and time again to be false. This mindset discourages girls from pursuing STEM related degrees. Simply telling girls that there is no difference in abilities can impact test scores. As does encouraging women to see math prowess not as an inherent trait, but as a skill that can be practiced and mastered.
2. The culture in college STEM fields is a deterrent to women. The stereotype that STEM majors are obsessive reclusive men, is false. Active recruiting of women, planned social meetings, and women to women mentoring programs solve some of this issue.
3. STEM careers are heavily male-dominated and not family friendly. Lack of insurance for post docs and lack of time off for maternal leave deters new trainees. Because of the lack of women in these fields there are less connections that new women can gain. Improving family leave, creating new networks for women, and changing the image of scientists can all help to change this trend.