“When women rise in science and technology, the world rises with them.”

Despite decades of progress, the global story of women in STEM is facing a troubling pause. A 2024 UNESCO policy brief, “Changing the Equation: Securing STEM Futures for Women,” reveals a stark reality: across G20 nations, women hold only 22% of STEM jobs, and they represent one-third or fewer of students, professionals, and innovators in these critical fields.

This isn’t just a gender issue—it’s a global innovation crisis.

The Leaky Pipeline: Where Do Women in STEM Go?

Girls begin their education just as curious, capable, and high-performing as boys. Yet, as careers advance, many women disappear from STEM pathways—not due to lack of ability, but because of systemic barriers.

“If progress had been steady over the last 20 years, we’d see more women reaching leadership levels. Instead, we see a continued drop-off. That tells us there’s a systemic problem.”
— Dr. Tiffany Straza, UNESCO

Women often excel not only in STEM subjects but across disciplines. Ironically, this gives them the freedom to choose environments that feel more inclusive—places with better equity, role models, and psychological safety.

“Sometimes it’s hard to be the only woman in the room. That’s a lot of pressure to ask one person to carry.”

The Cost of Exclusion: Talent, Innovation, and Growth

STEM sectors are expanding rapidly, yet the workforce needed to fuel this growth is shrinking—because half the population is being sidelined.

“There’s a real risk we won’t meet future STEM demand unless we make these opportunities open to women.”

Women account for 25% of leaders in non-STEM fields, but only 10% of STEM leadership across G20 countries. Even more concerning, women in STEM earn less than 85% of men’s pay in most reporting nations—despite equal pay laws being in place.

“Policy is the first step. Enforcement, accountability, and cultural change are where the real work begins.”

The Invisible Weight: Bias, Harassment, and Silence

The numbers are sobering:

• 84% of women researchers report experiencing sexism
• 49% of women scientists report sexual harassment at work

These realities push women out—not because they lack passion, but because they are forced to endure environments that fail to protect them.

“There must be zero tolerance for gender-based violence in STEM. Cultural change is hard—but non-negotiable.”

What Works: Pathways to Progress

UNESCO’s research shows that change is possible, and often through low-cost but high-impact initiatives, including:

• Gender-responsive and supportive workplaces
• Parental and caregiving support policies
• Mentorship and peer networks for women in STEM
• Visibility of women as STEM experts and leaders
• Equal access to pay, grants, and funding

Japan’s national campaign addressing unconscious bias through educator-focused storytelling is one such example—proving that changing conversations can change futures.

“Helping women and girls see themselves as future STEM professionals can be transformative.”

Why This Matters—to All of Us

Women pursue STEM not just for careers, but for purpose—for the responsibility they feel toward shaping a better world.

“Women pursue these fields despite the odds—because of curiosity, commitment, and care for the future.”

Engaging women in STEM is not just a matter of equality. It’s a moral, economic, and innovation imperative.

“We cannot afford to miss out on half the world’s potential.”

A Call to Action

The equation must change—from classrooms to boardrooms, from policy to practice, from intention to impact.

When we empower women in STEM, we don’t just close gaps—we unlock possibilities.

Let’s build a future where curiosity has no gender, leadership has no bias, and innovation reflects the brilliance of everyone.