Study reveals that women occupy only three out of every ten STEM jobs globally. India stands out with the lowest representation of women in Research and Development (R&D) roles worldwide, accounting for less than 16.6% of such positions in 2018.

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 04: Life-size 3D-printed statues honoring women in STEM are seen at the Enid A. 

Occupying Only Three Out of Ten STEM Jobs Globally

A recent study reveals that only 3 out of 10 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) jobs worldwide are occupied by women. In India, the disparity is stark, with less than 16.6% of R&D positions being held by women in 2018, marking the lowest representation globally. 

Despite progress, the gender gap in STEM fields persists, albeit slowly narrowing. Analyzing LinkedIn profiles from 39 countries, the study highlights ongoing challenges in achieving gender parity in STEM careers, skills, and leadership roles. 

Women remain underrepresented in these areas, with fewer instances of listing STEM skills on their profiles compared to men. 

After graduating from college, women face particular challenges in remaining in STEM professions, with fewer female graduates entering the workforce compared to their male counterparts.

Addressing the Issue

This issue is significant as greater female representation in STEM fields is crucial for fostering innovation and advancement. The research further indicates that as women progress in their STEM careers, their presence diminishes even further.

Addressing this issue requires concerted efforts from nations to ensure that educational opportunities and support systems are readily accessible to women in STEM disciplines. 

Additionally, the provision of role models and the fostering of partnerships are essential to empower women and promote their success in STEM professions. By adopting such measures, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

The study also highlights the disproportionate representation of women in leadership roles, particularly within STEM occupations. Comparatively, the number of women in entry-level positions outside STEM is often similar to the number of women holding senior leadership positions within STEM fields in numerous nations.

However, statistics reveal that women constitute less than 30 percent of all vice president-level professionals in STEM across nearly every country examined.

Furthermore, findings from the Global Gender Gap Report underscore the global underrepresentation of women in the STEM workforce, with women comprising only 29 percent of the STEM workforce across 146 countries surveyed.

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In 2020, UNESCO's report revealed that approximately 31 percent of individuals engaged in science, engineering research, and research and development (R&D) roles globally were women.

Remarkably, certain regions exhibit a near parity between male and female representation in R&D employment. 

Notably, Central Asia boasts nearly half (49.6 percent) of its R&D researchers being women, while Latin America and the Caribbean demonstrate a substantial 44.2 percent female presence in the R&D workforce.

Conversely, other regions such as East Asia and the Pacific, and South and West Asia, showcase a lower proportion of women in R&D positions, with figures standing at only 26.7 percent and 24.3 percent, respectively.

A closer examination at the country level reveals significant disparities. India, for instance, records the lowest percentage of women in R&D roles, with a mere 16.6 percent representation noted in 2018. 

Conversely, Spain displays a more favorable scenario, with women constituting 41.3 percent of its researchers, indicating a narrower gender gap in the field.

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