Every year, February 11 recognises the remarkable and inspiring achievements of women making an impact across the scientific world.
The global community unites to not only celebrate their contribution, but to champion the inclusivity of women and girls in scientific learning and professions as part of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
Over the years, women have made tremendous progress in narrowing the gender gap, with many accessing higher education and pursuing rewarding careers in scientific fields. But unfortunately, women are still not equally represented in the workforce.
While it is a global concern, we thought we would acknowledge the shortage of women in science by looking closer to home.
Here are some quick facts about women in STEM in Wales:
- A 2017 report, called Talented Women for a Successful Wales, demonstrated that only 20% of women science graduates pursued careers in STEM subject areas compared to 44% of men.
- In Wales, boys make up to 90% of apprenticeships in construction, planning, engineering and manufacturing technologies.
- In Wales, only 25% of people working in ICT are women.
- However, across Wales, girls outperform boys in STEM subjects at GCSE level.
- At Cardiff University, 23% of engineering undergraduates are female, compared to the typical figure of 13%.
- According to the WISE campaign, increasing the number of women working in STEM could be worth £2 billion to the British economy.
Despite growing awareness around female talent in the STEM sector, and the considerable benefits of such careers, there is still a severe shortage of women in these industries in Wales.