Breaking Barriers: Understanding and Overcoming Societal, Institutional, and Cultural Health Challenges for Women in STEM Fields
Authors: Owuondo Joseph 
Published: November 2023

This interdisciplinary investigation delves into the multifaceted analysis of barriers within the realms of socioeconomic, cultural, institutional, and mental health aspects to attain a deeper comprehension of the persisting underrepresentation of women within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professions. Despite regulatory efforts aimed at fostering gender equality, women remain a minority in STEM domains, constituting a mere 34% of the workforce. This disparity is glaring, with women comprising only 21% of engineering majors and 19% of computer science majors, thereby illustrating the pervasive underrepresentation across the academic spectrum. Additionally, gender pay disparities persist, accentuated by biased recruitment and advancement practices that culminate in considerably lower earnings for women in comparison to their male counterparts. Young girls and women face discouragement in pursuing STEM vocations owing to entrenched stereotypes, a dearth of female role models, and an inhospitable institutional milieu. Prevailing societal biases continue to perpetuate the notion that STEM is predominantly male- dominated, portraying scientists and STEM professionals primarily as men. The absence of female role models, particularly for Black women, compounds this challenge. Furthermore, institutional impediments within academic and research settings perpetuate gender insensitivity, mandating conformity to traditional gender norms and impeding the progression of women in their professional trajectories. Additionally, the rigorous demands of STEM education exacerbate mental health issues, notably amongst graduate women hailing from various socioeconomic strata. These issues manifest as heightened stress levels, anxiety, depressive disorders, and even suicidal ideation, dissuading young girls from embarking on STEM careers. To redress these obstacles and propel gender equality within STEM, recommendations encompass the implementation of affirmative action and equal pay policies, robust advocacy for inclusivity and diversity in STEM education and workplaces, establishment of mentorship initiatives, and proactive efforts to debunk prevalent stereotypes. Essential too is the destigmatization and establishment of comprehensive mental health support initiatives tailored to the unique needs of underrepresented groups within STEM. This study underscores the urgent call for collaborative action by governments, institutions, and stakeholders to cultivate a more hospitable and equitable STEM environment for women. It accentuates the paramount importance of comprehending and addressing the intricate interplay of factors inhibiting gender parity within STEM professions. To conduct a meticulous exploration of the intricate nexus between societal, cultural, institutional, and mental health elements contributing to gender disparities in STEM, the research methodology involved a triangulation of data from scholarly journals, surveys, and academic papers within the STEM domain