By: Arinze Okigbo

Let's begin by taking a look at some stats. In a study published by the National Center for Women and Information Technology Research, women occupy just 11% of leadership positions in Silicon Valley tech companies and 25% of US jobs connected to computers. The most significant pay gap for women in STEM is in engineering, where salaries are lower than for males. These figures indicate a severe gender gap in STEM professions and technology that need immediate addressing.

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One of the main contributors to this gender disparity is the underrepresentation of women in STEM areas. Numerous studies have shown that societal biases and prejudices usually discourage young ladies from pursuing STEM careers and frequently pressure them to concentrate on "for women" industries. As a result, fewer women enroll in STEM-related programs, resulting in fewer women working in STEM-related areas. Another issue is the culture of STEM and IT areas, which is usually male-dominated and unwelcoming to women. As a result, a hostile work environment for women can arise, which raises attrition.

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Gender bias can show itself subtly through microaggressions and unintentional biases. These biases may manifest themselves by minimizing women's contributions by supposing they are less capable or committed to their work. A woman's career trajectory may be significantly impacted by these subtle forms of discrimination, which can lead to a lack of recognition and opportunities for advancement.

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Several programs have been launched to overcome gender discrimination in STEM and technology. Due to specific organizations' implementation of diversity and inclusion efforts, there are now more opportunities for women in STEM to network and get mentoring. Additionally, educational initiatives have been implemented to promote and encourage female STEM professionals by offering them the tools and resources they need to succeed. There is still a long way to go before gender prejudice is completely eradicated from these fields.

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In conclusion, the gender gap in STEM is difficult to address and necessitates a diverse strategy. To ensure that women have equal chances in these professions, it is essential to boost female participation in STEM education, address the culture of the technology and STEM sectors, and combat unconscious biases and microaggressions. We can build a future where anybody, regardless of gender, may pursue their passions and excel in technology and STEM by working toward a more inclusive and diverse workforce.