1.2 The power of role models in STEM

Women have contributed to STEM fields throughout history, though their efforts were often unrecognized. 

Ancient figures like Hypatia of Alexandria, a philosopher and mathematician, and Maria Sibylla Merian, who pioneered entomology, laid early groundwork in science. 

In the 19th century, Ada Lovelace developed what many consider the first computer algorithm, marking a significant milestone in computer science. 

Moving into the 20th century, Marie Curie revolutionized physics and chemistry with her discoveries of radium and polonium, becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win in two scientific fields. 

The current representation is that women make up about 28% of the STEM workforce, but this number varies widely by field and region. 

In the European Union (EU27), women accounted for approximately 31.6% of students in STEM-related tertiary education programs in 2021, including fields such as natural sciences, mathematics, engineering, and ICT. 

However, their representation drops significantly in specialized areas, with only 20% in ICT and 27% in engineering-related studies. 

Similarly, women make up about 19.4% of ICT specialists in the workforce, with significant variations among countries ranging from 12.4% in Czechia to 29.1% in Bulgaria. 

These statistics underscore the need for targeted policies and programs to foster greater female participation in underrepresented STEM fields  Role models do more than inspire; they provide tangible examples of career pathways, show how obstacles can be overcomed, and highlight the value of resilience. 

For instance, seeing women leaders in STEM companies, researchers making breakthroughs in scientific fields, or engineers creating new technologies offers concrete proof that women can and do make significant contributions. 

These role models not only inspire interest but also foster a sense of belonging and self-confidence in young women, which is critical for long-term success in these challenging fields. 

In addition, role models play a crucial role in reshaping societal perceptions. They help break the cycle of underrepresentation by proving that gender is not a determinant of skill or success in STEM. As more women enter these fields and serve as role models, a self-reinforcing loop can develop, where increased female participation leads to greater visibility, which in turn inspires more women to pursue STEM careers.