Women should take the initiative to advocate for themselves and their rights, particularly when it comes to male-dominated spaces like the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) field.
Marie Curie, a two-time Nobel Prize winner in physics and chemistry, had to travel to another country to pursue higher education. Rosalind Franklin determined the structure of DNA, but she never got credit for her work. June Almeida discovered the first coronavirus but, like Franklin, nobody knows about her. Katalin Karikó, who won a Nobel prize in 2023 for her mRNA research, was even demoted for her efforts.
Why is women’s work and credit always taken by men with high status and power? Is that why there are so few women in STEM?
In the United States, the male to female ratio is 50.24:49.76. Around 73% of males are STEM workers and only 27% of females are STEM workers, according to the United States Census Bureau.
There is a clear and significant gap in the STEM workforce. Could this be attributed to societal expectations, unequal access to STEM education, workplace biases or a lack of mentorship for women? If so, it is essential for us to collectively reflect and take action to promote greater participation of women in STEM. Perhaps many capable women are losing opportunities due to societal norms and biases, which must be addressed to create a more inclusive and equitable environment.
Male researchers produce an average of 13.2 publications throughout their careers, compared to 9.6 publications by female researchers. Additionally, papers authored by men receive 30% more citations than those authored by women, according to Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.
Women often face significant compromises in their lives, prioritizing family and societal expectations over their own aspirations. In financially struggling families, women may have to give up higher education to support their brothers’ education. Many women marry and are then expected to prioritize supporting their husband’s education, career and family over their own ambitions. After becoming mothers, the responsibility of raising children often falls disproportionately on women. Despite being equally, if not more, capable than men, societal norms and biases continue to limit women’s opportunities and potential.
Pallavi Singh, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, explained the leaky pipeline when it comes to women in the STEM field.
“There’s something called a leaky pipeline, which refers to the gradual loss of women scientists at various stages of their academic and professional journeys. Not all women who enroll as undergraduates graduate, not all graduate students complete their degrees, and many are lost at the postdoctoral stage,” Singh said. “This trend continues at the faculty level, where fewer women advance from assistant to associate professor compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, statistics show that women scientists often spend longer as associate professors before earning promotions, or they leave academia altogether.”
Singh explained how leaders in higher education can combat this issue.
“To address the leaky pipeline, leaders in higher education must recognize the progress women have made while understanding there’s still much to achieve. Gender parity must encompass equality in pay, promotions, tenure, funding and publications. It’s not just about having policies – it’s about implementing them effectively,” Singh said. “Leaders should focus on creating supportive networks and fostering communities that empower women scientists. For example, initiatives like the Women in STEM lecture series at NIU provide spaces for women to share their experiences and find encouragement. These are critical steps toward promoting and retaining women in STEM fields and beyond.”
The underrepresentation of women in STEM fields remains a significant issue that persists to this day. While it cannot be resolved immediately or even within a few years, progress requires consistent effort and systemic change. It is crucial for society to respect everyone’s contributions and ensure that opportunities are provided based on merit, without bias or discrimination.
While society still has work to do, women who want to enter the STEM field can begin change by advocating for themselves.
“Women need to advocate for themselves by utilizing platforms such as academic publications or multimedia to showcase their work and share their research. They should also seek support from their networks – whether it’s within their department, from colleagues or senior leadership – to amplify their contributions and create more opportunities for progress,” Singh said. “The media plays a crucial role in addressing these issues. By shedding light on the challenges women scientists face, we can spark conversations and encourage solutions. The more we discuss these problems, the more likely we are to identify pathways to resolve them and ensure equal opportunities in the field.”
Every field presents its own set of challenges, but what makes them manageable is an individual’s perception, interest and dedication. Everyone has unique preferences when it comes to life and career choices. Families and society must respect these choices, providing equal opportunities and support to all without bias or discrimination.
Women aspiring to build careers in STEM should not feel discouraged by external pressures or potential challenges. Instead, they should face obstacles with a positive mindset, seek support when needed, and advocate for themselves. Rather than compromising their ambitions, they should focus on finding solutions and reaching out for help.
Society should prioritize supporting the most capable individuals, regardless of gender. Leaders also have a crucial responsibility to encourage and uplift their peers, creating an environment that promotes growth and helps women advance in their careers.
