Cracking the code: girls’ and women’s education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)

Irina Bokova

“Girls and women are key players in crafting solutions to improve lives and generate inclusive green growth that benefits all. They are the greatest untapped population to become the next generations of STEM professionals – we must invest in their talent. This matters for human rights, for inclusion, for sustainable development. We need to understand and target the particular obstacles that keep female students away from STEM. We need to stimulate interest from the earliest years, to combat stereotypes, to train teachers to encourage girls to pursue STEM careers, to develop curricula that are gender-sensitive, to mentor girls and young women and change mindsets”.

Current status of girls and women in STEM education

Factors influencing girls’ and women’s participation, progression and achievement in STEM education

Interventions that help increase girls’ and women’s interest in, and engagement with, STEM education