Strategies for empowering and retaining women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields : a systematic literature review

Abstract

Despite the increasing integration of women into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, gender disparities persist, particularly in engineering disciplines. Research indicates that women are significantly underrepresented in engineering roles across various nations, with cultural, institutional, and educational barriers contributing to these disparities. Efforts to address these issues have included educational reforms, mentoring programs, and policy changes, yet challenges remain in achieving gender equity and retaining women within these fields. This study aims to explore and evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at improving gender equity in STEM education and careers. The research seeks to answer how different strategies, such as peer mentoring and inclusive curriculum designs, impact women's recruitment, retention, and advancement in engineering. The ultimate goal is to identify practices that can significantly reduce gender gaps in STEM disciplines. This study employs a systematic literature review to assess the impact of gender equity initiatives in STEM fields. The review synthesizes existing research findings from multiple global contexts, evaluating the success and scalability of various interventions. Sources include academic papers, reports on educational programs, workplace studies, and direct feedback from participants in gender-focused initiatives. This approach aims to gather comparative insights into effective practices for promoting gender equity in STEM. Anticipated outcomes of this study include identifying key factors that contribute to successful gender equity programs in STEM. These may include the critical role of institutional support, the effectiveness of mentoring networks, and the importance of culturally sensitive curriculum reforms. The study is expected to provide a set of validated approaches that can be adopted and adapted by educational institutions and corporate entities alike. The review is anticipated to conclude that a multifaceted approach, combining top-down policy changes with bottom up educational and cultural reforms, is most effective in promoting gender equity in STEM. These strategies are likely to be more successful when they are integrated into the core mission of institutions rather than implemented as peripheral programs. Recommendations focus on long-term commitments to these changes and the continuous assessment of their impact on reducing gender disparities.