In the quest for a more equal society, women in STEM fields have become a key part of building a more competitive and inclusive future.  However, at present, their representation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines remains worryingly low.

In Spain, for example, only 16% of STEM professionals are women. Even more alarmingly, only 0.7% of teenage girls are interested in studying careers related to digital technologies, compared to 7% of boys.

What factors are holding back the female presence in these sectors? And, more importantly, what can we do to reverse this situation? Below, we will answer all these questions and address some of the main challenges facing women in STEM today.  

The importance of women in STEM careers

The active participation of women in STEM is not a symbolic issue, but a practical necessity to make advances in our society. In addition to enriching innovation and creativity, diversity in work teams also contributes to improving the quality of the technological and scientific solutions that are developed.

Science and technology have a direct impact on our daily lives, from the design of the algorithms that govern our social networks to the artificial intelligence that makes medical or financial decisions. If these tools are mostly created by men, we run the risk of continuing to replicate existing gender biases.

Additionally, in economic terms, this is a golden opportunity. In STEM careers, women can become an engine of economic empowerment, as these professions are among the best paid and most promising for the future.  

Women in STEM: challenges and opportunities

Despite their achievements and proven capabilities, STEM women in Spain still face numerous obstacles that hinder their professional development, ranging from outdated stereotypes to a lack of visible role models. However, there are also real opportunities to reverse this situation and build a fairer and more inclusive world.

Challenges faced from childhood

From an early age, many girls begin to receive messages that push them away from the STEM world. Phrases such as ‘that’s for boys’ or ‘maths is not for you’ creep into their daily lives, reinforcing stereotypes that condition their choice of studies. To this must be added the scarcity of female role models in the scientific and technological fields. 

In adolescence, these prejudices are consolidated. Statistics show that while 7% of boys consider studying a degree in digital technology, only 0.7% of girls consider this option. And the curious thing is that, once they enter STEM careers, women drop out less in classroom-based courses and perform even better academically than their peers.  

Invisible barriers at university and in the workplace

According to data from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, women pass more subjects and obtain similar or even higher grades than their male counterparts, especially in architecture and engineering. 

However, when they enter the workplace, poor work-life balance, glass ceilings and a lack of recognition for their achievements often become an obstacle to their continued growth.  

Opportunities not to be missed

Nevertheless, there is light at the end of the tunnel. For example, companies such as ENGIE are making a strong commitment to diversity in their teams, especially in areas such as cybersecurity, engineering and renewable energies. The result? More innovation, a better working environment and greater social impact.

And that’s not all. More and more organisations are running programmes to inspire girls and young women to take an interest in STEM careers. Hackathons, mentoring with women leaders, workshops in schools and social media campaigns are creating a cultural shift that could be a major turning point in the coming years.

How can the presence of women in STEM careers be increased?

Expanding the presence of women in STEM careers requires concrete actions, from early childhood all the way to when they enter the workplace. The key lies in eliminating stereotypes, providing real female role models and designing educational and business policies that promote equal opportunities. This is the only way to close the gender gap in these key sectors.

Education and role models from childhood

The first step is to start at the base: primary education. It is not enough to introduce notions of robotics or programming in the classroom. We need to show girls that they too can be scientists, engineers or mathematicians. 

In this respect, female role models can be more inspiring than any textbook: real, modern women who work in these sectors who can share their experience. After all, what you can’t see, you can’t imagine. And if it is not imagined, it is not chosen.

Reforming the curriculum with a gender perspective

The integration of female examples in study materials is fundamental to normalise their presence: why don’t we talk about female scientists such as Margarita Salas or female engineers such as Ellen Swallow Richards in history or technology classes?  

Furthermore, extracurricular activities should be inclusive. Robotics competitions, maths Olympiads or programming clubs cannot continue to be masculinised spaces. If a girl feels welcome, she will be more likely to come back and continue learning.

Public policy and corporate commitment

At the institutional level, it is also necessary to reinforce policies that promote equality in science and technology. Although some measures are already in place, such as specific grants and campaigns to raise awareness and support women researchers, they are still insufficient. 

For their part, companies should review their selection, retention and promotion processes. Interesting initiatives in this area include internal mentoring programmes, flexible working hours and training in unconscious bias for managers.

Conclusion: towards a more inclusive future in STEM careers

We are thus at a pivotal moment. The future will be digital, technological and scientific, but it must also be diverse. The inclusion of women in STEM is not just a social justice goal: it is an imperative for progress. We cannot continue to leave half of our country’s available talent off the table.

But in order to achieve this, it is necessary to change mentalities, break down stereotypes and build spaces for equitable development. It is a collective challenge that requires commitment at all levels: from early childhood education to business policies.

Change is possible. There are already examples that inspire us, programmes that work and women who lead. But more work needs to be done because when a woman enters a STEM career, she is not the only one who wins: we all win.