GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Today, people across the country are dressing for STEM by wearing the color purple. Dress for STEM began seven years ago with a group of female broadcast meteorologists who wanted to encourage young girls to pursue their passion for science.
We spoke with Ginger Rohwer, regional director of MiSTEM Network's GreatER West Michigan Region, about women in STEM.
"Young women, girls, and young boys don't differ in their abilities in math and science. But they do differ in their interests, confidence, and sense of belonging in science, math, engineering, and technology," Rohwer said.
Women remain underrepresented in the science and engineering workforce, making up only 34% of STEM-related jobs, with only 16% of women in engineering and 25% in computer and math sciences.
There are even larger disparities for minority women, making up less than 10% of the STEM workforce.
"It can be that girls don’t see themselves in STEM education. We know that our workforce doesn't represent a gender balance. So, we find that right before middle school we see a drop off in interest and sense of belonging," explained Ginger.
Here are some tips to help women find a sense of belonging:
Today you can be that example by wearing purple to encourage young girls in STEM. If you are a female in the STEM industry, make your voice heard and show that it is possible. We have the power to change these percentages and change the way the world perceives STEM.
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