Time to de-gender Stem subject choices in Irish schools

The I Wish’s 2021 Survey of Female Students’ Attitudes to Stem found that 55 per cent of girls interested in engineering did not have access to the subject and 77 per cent are not confident in their ability to do Stem.

The study concluded it is time to rethink how Stem subjects are presented in schools with over three-quarters (78 per cent) of teenage girls saying lack of choices is a barrier to a career in Stem. Further obstacles outlined by young girls in the survey included lack of confidence in their ability (77 per cent) and a perception that there is not enough gender equality in Stem (83 per cent ).

Nine in 10 (87 per cent ) of the 2,449 respondents in I Wish’s 2021 Survey of Female Students’ Attitudes to Stem agreed science, technology, engineering and mathematics are growing areas of opportunity.

With the exception of biology and chemistry, female students are under-represented across the board in terms of Stem subjects. When asked what factors are important to them in choosing Stem subjects, just under half picked ones where they would “fit in”.

Obstacles vs pathways

Gillian Keating, co-founder of I Wish, said: “The world is rapidly changing. Fifteen out of the 20 fastest-growing careers in the world require a background in maths or science. However, only 25 per cent of Stem jobs in Ireland are held by females. If girls today perceive obstacles rather than seeing Stem pathways, we risk excluding them from the economy of the future and the pool of scientists, analysts and engineers that we so desperately need to secure a better future for us all.”

Caroline O’Driscoll, co-founder of I Wish, stated: “It is clear that knowledge is power and we can see that the sense of gender stereotyping in Stem is exacerbated by lack of access to female role models. That said, we can see the enhanced confidence in girls through role modelling and mentoring.”

I Wish is now expanding its offerings to engage girls year-round at key touch points in their lives from third level with mentoring programmes to primary level through classroom visits with young Stem professionals and students.