Girls’ and women’s education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
More girls are in school today than ever before but they do not always have the same opportunities as boys to complete and benefit from an education of their choice Too many girls and women are held back by biases social norms and expectations influencing the quality of the education they receive and the subjects they study They are particularly underrepresented in science technology engineering and mathematics STEM education and consequently in STEM careers This gender disparity is alarming especially as STEM careers are often referred to as the jobs of the future driving innovation social wellbeing inclusive growth and sustainable development UNESCO is giving special attention to this issue through research policy and capacitybuilding work and as part of its efforts to promote the empowerment of girls and women through education