Today, February 11 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. This initiative, which only has three years of life, aims to give visibility to the work of women scientists, promote scientific vocations in girls and help close the gender gap in science.
Because although studies show that it is not true that women are not good at science, reality says otherwise: women are very poorly represented in careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We try to explain why and we look for strategies to get girls interested in science.
In Babies and more Five things parents can do to help their children develop STEM skills from a young age Cultural stereotypes
Let's think for a moment. With the exception of Marie Curie, how many women scientists come to mind? Very few. And yet they have always existed and their role has been very important throughout history and, of course, today as well.
Even so, the data suggest that the so-called STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) do not seem to be very attractive to young women. But why if Studies have shown that boys and girls are equally intelligent?
According to Gender in the Global Research Landscape, women scientists account for more than 40% of researchers in the US and the European Union. But their presence is not the same in all scientific disciplines: while the number of women in health is relatively high, in physics, mathematics or engineering they barely account for 25% of the total. And specifically in Spain, Only 28% of university students in these careers are women, a percentage slightly lower than that of the OECD European countries, which stands at 31.4%.
In Babies and more Science at home increases children's academic successIt may be due to a subliminal message from society that makes us discard this type of career when we are teenagers because they are linked to something more masculine. You just have to remember how the scientist is shown in one of the famous American films, like a young geek, crazy about mathematics and asocial.
In addition, the macho tradition in education can lead girls to think they are less intelligent. When it is not like that at all.
High school is the key stage
A study by the Camilo José Cela University (UCJC), published at the end of November 2018, analyzes why this happens based on data from the PISA report and its conclusions leave no doubt: Although the scientific vocation at age 15 is low in general, boys triple girls in their intention to study science.
Among the causes, social factors related to gender bias, such as self-confidence deficit among girls: "On equal note, students have a lower probability of recognizing that they are 'good'."
According to the report, It is in Secondary when you begin to see the distance of science and it is very frequent classes of technological Baccalaureate with only two or three girls.
How to motivate girls to love science
Expert opinions and scientific researchers reinforce the idea that we have to take steps to encourage girls to get closer to the world of science and end with unjustified beliefs. These are some of the proposals we have compiled, although surely as parents you have any more ideas.
Promote cooperative scientific learning
It is important that both boys and girls interact in the same way in school work related to science. Sharing learning with their peers helps arouse girls' interest in science from an early age.
Equally important is the involvement of parents through the centers and the teachers themselves.
In Xataka Everything that is being done so that there are more women in science and that it is not working yetPromote self-confidence in girls
The professional orientation carried out in the ESO should pay attention to specific characteristics of the girls, such as lack of self-confidence in themselves.
"The educators have the obligation to succeed in the second cycle of the ESO, in which the majority of professional vocations are gestated and the way forward is marked. Then come the Baccalaureate itineraries, then the career or Professional Training," and it is very difficult to make the way back from non-STEM to STEM, "the authors of the UCJC report point out.
And they add an aspect that seems very representative and important to end the salary gap between men and women, a reason to reflect and encourage our daughters to choose those studies that attract them most, because they are prepared for any of them, such as rest of the boys:
"Gender bias, stereotypes and social expectations reserved for girls and boys begin in high school and affects the salary gap that will suffer from adults. At the end of this decade, the pace of creation of STEM jobs will double that of non-STEM jobs (18% vs. 9%). If we were to get women to choose these professions, part of the wage gap that has to do with differences in the type of employment would be reduced. "
Create a stimulating scientific environment
Ángeles Bueno, president of the Womenteck Women and Technology Association, is committed to creating a stimulating and favorable environment at school so that girls can develop this scientific vocation just like their peers.
One strategy is give girls opportunities so that they achieve success in tasks related to STEM careers to start building their trust. For example, designing a programming exercise as a game, which could help them feel more motivated and able to achieve success.
In Babies and more21 books for children to learn to love scienceSpread the role of women scientists
Although textbooks are populated only by male examples, it is positive to tell them about women who have contributed to science (such as Marie Curie or Jane Goodall), and who can serve as a reference to budding little scientists.
Traditional sexist beliefs make young women believe that being an industrial or computer engineer implies abandoning personal and family life to succeed, discrimination in women's salaries and glass roofs in their professional careers. As a consequence, many end up choosing careers related to the branches of health, rather than techniques such as engineering.
We, the parents, can modify these false beliefs, showing them real role models. It is proven that Girls' interest in science and technology doubles when they have female referents. We can, for example:
- Read books of women scientists together
- Watch together documentaries and biographical films like 'Gorillas in the fog'.
- Attend museums, talks, exhibitions and workshops that highlight the role of relevant women in the world of science.
Promote the scientific game
Building blocks is a toy that has existed for a long time and that contributes to develop spatial reasoning skills, which are the best indicator of whether children will end up studying a career related to science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) .
Also, of course, technological toys, scientists, or toys with which they can do experiments, for example, in biology or astronomy.
Toys with design and construction elements, circuits and cables //www.amazon.es/dp/B01FSP0P74%3Faaxitk%3DlVGJ3gIurNPqVx7bV9VjOQ%26pd_rd_i%3DB01FSP0P74%26pf_rd_p%3Db4a87efe-46df-474d-b505-3bf1bb51624b%26hsa_cr_id%3D1194441870402%26sb -ci-n% 3DproductDescription% 26sb-ci-v% 3DCefa% 2520Toys% 252021820% 2520% 2520Electrocephage% 2520100% 2520-% 2520Game% 2520de% 2520electronics, programming elements, representation of ecosystems ... They are a good alternative for girls (and of course children too) understand the world around them.
Of course, without forgetting that the main objective of the game is to have fun, so we must encourage the fact that all toys are suitable for boys and girls, but looking for those that best suit the tastes of our daughters.
In Babies and more, Barbie opens a new career this year: Robotics Engineer, but will also teach programmingPut science at your fingertips
If the low representation of women in STEM careers is due to cultural reasons and not to innate differences due to sex or false stereotypes, parents can help eliminate these false beliefs that discourage girls from becoming scientists.
Science and technology are part of our lives and it is important that we make them notice even in the smallest things, such as teaching them to observe everyday scientific phenomena, doing experiments with them at home, introducing them into the world of programming, teaching them how a machine or engine works ...
Always support them in their choices
It is key that girls feel supported by their parents in the choices they make. According to a study conducted by Microsoft among 11,500 girls across Europe, 81% of girls who receive support from their parents in their interest in science and technology declare their willingness to study STEM and develop their professional career in this area.
Photos | iStock
The girls are from science: 25 scientists who changed in the world (Nonfiction illustrated)
Today in Amazon for € 15.15
