Women have difficulties with self-esteem and gender discrimination. Teachers teach like they have been taught, not like they have been taught to teach. And because most elementary school teachers are women, the cycle is tough to break. During the March 10 hearing, several Members of Congress shared examples of their own daughters discouraged from taking advanced math and science classes, or intentionally staying away from the fields because of loss of self-esteem. Girls need exposure to different career opportunities.
Women lack mentors and role models.
The AAUW also has found that curriculum materials often ignore the contributions of women. Bill Nye the Science Guy, explained how his show goes out of its way to include women and minorities. He cited research in which girls have been shown to be ten times more interested in the subject material when they see other girls or women. Mr. Nye believes role models are a vital part of addressing the dearth of women in science. While it is good news that more women are in leadership positions in the scientific community than ever before, Rep. Morella has termed the upward mobility challenge to women in technological fields the silicon ceiling.