Ladies wanted: Female dearth seen in Singapore’s science and technology industry

Less than 1 in 3 professionals are women.

Women are few and far between in Singapore’s science and technology professions, according to data released by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD).

Only 29.57 percent of professionals in this field are women, way behind other countries such as Finland (32.25 percent) and Norway (36.2 percent).

“Quality education and other opportunities is a sustainable way of providing women and girls a hand up, rather than a hand out, especially when it comes to typically male-dominated areas such as S.T.E.M.,” said Trina Liang-Lin, President of the Singapore Committee for UN Women.

Here’s more from the Singapore Committee for UN Women:

Anecdotal research also shows that young girls are unaware of opportunities in typically male-dominated careers, such as in the S.T.E.M. industries and, as a result are not inclined to pursue careers in these areas.

A lack of female role models and gender stereotypes have also been identified as challenges. Through the Girls2Pioneers Campaign, Singapore Committee for UN Women aims to inspire girls, particularly those from low income and at risk backgrounds, to explore and pursue careers within male dominated S.T.E.M. fields.

Throughout 2014, 3,000 Singaporean students, between the ages of 10-15, will be targeted through day camps and field trips. Through this campaign, the Singapore Committee for UN Women hopes to inspire and equip girls to become the next generation of innovators and leaders.

At a free seminar on 30 June 2014 organised by the International Federation of University Women, a cross section of high-level women speakers will also discuss the recommendations highlighted in the recently launched “Women in Science: a necessity?” brochure aimed at increasing women's participation rates in STEM industries worldwide.