What STEM means and why participation matters
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These fields contribute to research, innovation and a wide range of professions, yet women remain underrepresented in them in Brazil and around the world. Understanding the gap means looking not only at who enters these fields, but also at access to education, workplace conditions and recognition throughout people’s careers.
Available figures show the scale of the disparity. UNESCO reported that women made up 31.4% of researchers worldwide in 2023. In Brazil, women held 26.3% of formal jobs in natural sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics, according to figures from the Annual Report on Social Information for 2024, released by the Ministry of Labor and Employment in 2025. These figures refer to different groups and are not directly interchangeable, but both point to limited female representation.
How inequality takes shape and affects careers
The imbalance has historical roots: for centuries, women had restricted access to education and knowledge. Stereotypes also persist, linking science, logic and innovation with men. From the early school years, girls may receive less encouragement to explore mathematics, physics and technology. This can affect their confidence and their sense of whether these careers are open to them.
A shortage of women teachers, leaders and other role models can deepen that distance. Barriers do not necessarily disappear after education: distrust, lack of visibility, harassment, psychological pressure and professional isolation can make it harder to remain in a field and advance. Expanding access matters, but it is not enough; women also need conditions in which they can be recognized and build their careers.
Women have made contributions that have not always received proportionate recognition. Ada Lovelace is associated with creating the first algorithm; Hedy Lamarr conducted research related to wireless connections; Katherine Johnson contributed to space calculations at NASA; and Brazilian scientist Johanna Döbereiner worked in sustainable agriculture. These histories make clear that women have long been part of scientific and technological progress.
What can expand participation
Encouraging girls from an early age and widening access to education are ways to address underrepresentation. That means introducing a range of career possibilities, offering learning opportunities and strengthening the visibility of women role models. Schools and workplaces also need sustained support and measures against exclusion so that inclusion means more than simply gaining entry.
The Federal University of Uberlândia runs Wings — Women Impacting Girls, an initiative connecting public-school students with the university through workshops, events, research and educational materials. It illustrates one way to bring girls closer to opportunities and role models. More broadly, increasing women’s participation in STEM requires challenging stereotypes, removing educational barriers and creating environments where women can enter, remain and advance.