Dispelling 3 Myths That Discourage Women and Girls from Pursuing STEM

 
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At present, misconceptions continue to exist that discourage women from studying and working in STEM. These myths keep them from reaching their full potential and lead to a shortage of female workers in the field. In fact, a study by Pew Reacher Center highlights that women only make up a quarter of workers in computing and engineering. As a result, many products created in the field continue to include and service those who dominate it, which are men. For example, Bloomberg reports that women are 73% more likely to be injured in car crashes simply because test dummies are typically models of an average man.

Women in STEM are needed in order to better represent the needs of society, which can only happen if more women enter the field. However, many sayings about the field that dissuades young girls from doing so — but what most don't know is that there are merely myths. Below are a couple of them:

Women are not interested in STEM

Pre-2000, less than 10% of STEM workers were women. Now though, the National Science Foundation highlights how 34% of women are in the field. Forty-four of them represent those with a bachelor’s degree or higher across all fields. A separate survey by the Inter-American Development Bank found that girls do enjoy STEM subjects. These studies debunk the idea that there are no women in STEM. The aspiration and interest in the field are clear, but girls are held back because of the stereotypes that surround them.

Women cannot succeed in STEM

Another misconception is that women who pursue STEM are not successful. Throughout history, women who have contributed to the advancement of science, math, technology, and engineering continue to be undervalued and unappreciated. Maryville University’s post on women in computer science states that one of the most prominent women in STEM is Margaret Hamilton. Without her contributions, the 1969 moon landing would not have happened. Hamilton was also in charge of writing the code for Apollo 11’s guidance and navigation system, which was then used for future space missions.

And female feats aren't just found in tech — just this year, Dr. Jenny Briggs, an assistant dean for the Colorado School of Mines, was featured in a Washington exhibit due to her work in forest disturbance and fire ecology. Like many women, she experienced being discouraged by men in the field yet proved them wrong by earning her success.

Men are better in STEM fields

There's a floating myth that states that males are the ones with the “math brain,” discouraging women from pursuing careers in STEM. However, an article from the American Association of University Women confirms that there is no such thing as a “math brain.” People of all ages and genders are able to learn mathematics at the same pace. The article even states that girls in eighth grade outperform the boys in technology and engineering.

These myths continue to hold women back from pursuing STEM careers. But that is all that they are: myths. In our article Women Breaking Through Webinar, we encourage girls to break through the stigma and pursue the fields they want. And if that's STEM, then know that it's one that desperately needs innovation and representation from women.

Article written by Rhys Jamie

Exclusively submitted to stemblazers.org