Gender inequalities in STEM fields and the digital sector were identified decades ago and while some steps have been taken to address these, stark imbalances persist and in many cases, the divide begins from an early age.
A 2020 European Parliament report outlined two key issues:
Due to societal perceptions of digital fields as male-dominated, many girls are discouraged from seeing STEM [science, technology, engineering, and mathematics] studies and careers as viable options; among those who do choose to pursue these pathways, the “leaky pipeline” effect sees women leave the sector at a much higher rate than their male counterparts.
Targeted actions and broad societal change are needed to address these issues and ensure that women take up STEM education, stay in STEM careers and reach high positions in their fields; to ensure success in combatting the digital gender divide, the involvement of both public and private sector actors is essential.
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Digital gender gap is an issue for all of society, says industry leader
Women are underrepresented in digital sectors and the gender gap in STEM fields starts from a young age. There have been some developments when it comes to addressing this but progress has been slow and further action is needed, Sabine Herlitschka, CEO of Infineon Technologies Austria, told EURACTIV.
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Industry calls for multi-level approach to tackle STEM gender gap
Tackling the digital gender divide requires a threefold approach that addresses not only encouraging more women into STEM fields in the first place, but pays equal attention to supporting their advancement and supporting them in staying in their careers, members of industry have said.
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Education key to closing digital skills and gender gaps, say stakeholders
Industry stakeholders say that a greater emphasis on digital education will be crucial to closing both the skills and gender gap in the digital sector, calling for more attention to boost capacity.