STEM and Gender: Breaking the Cycle of Exclusion

By Urasmita Ghosh
Pune, 11th February 2025: The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a reminder that gender equality in STEM is about dismantling the barriers that prevent participation. This year’s theme stresses the need to challenge biases, build inclusive learning environments, and create supportive ecosystems where girls can thrive in science. As we mark this day, it is essential to recognise that the responsibility of fostering change lies not only with women and girls but with families, educators, workplaces, and society at large.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics have shaped the world in ways we cannot imagine living without. Yet, for centuries, access to these fields has been limited—not by capability, but by deep-rooted gender norms. Society has long dictated who belongs in science and who does not. The result? Fewer women and girls pursue STEM, not due to lack of interest or ability, but because they are made to believe it is not for them.

The Barriers Start Early From childhood, subtle biases shape the way girls see themselves. They are often encouraged towards humanities and caregiving professions, while boys are pushed towards mathematics, technology, and scientific innovation. Even when girls show promise in these subjects, they face
self-doubt, fuelled by a lack of representation and social reinforcement.

Families and communities play a critical role in either reinforcing or challenging these stereotypes. When girls are supported in pursuing science, they thrive. When they are questioned—”Is this really for you?”—they hesitate.

A hesitation that should never exist!
Beyond Access: Building a Culture of Support The challenge is not just about getting more girls into STEM education. It is about ensuring they stay. It is about transforming workplaces, academia, and leadership spaces to be free from gender bias. It is about mentorship, visibility, and systemic change.

At Equal Community Foundation, we believe that gender equality is not just about empowering women and girls. It is also about engaging boys and men in breaking down these social norms. When boys grow up understanding that science is for everyone, they become allies in creating inclusive spaces.

The world needs more scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers and we cannot afford to silence half the population. Let us move beyond celebrating the few who break through and start changing the systems that hold so many back.

(About Author: Urasmita Ghosh is Communications Associate at Equal Community Foundation)