Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 41
41
Accepted in Part
Address gender bias in STEM curriculum and increase female role model visibility.
Recommendation
Women and girls remain underrepresented in STEM subjects and less likely to pursue entrepreneurship in this field. The Government and higher education institutes should work to address gender bias in curriculum design in STEM subjects and strive to increase the visibility of female role models to support this work. (Recommendation, Paragraph 150) 59
Government Response Summary
The Department for Education is reforming the curriculum to embed diverse scientists and innovators, addressing gender bias in STEM subjects. The government also points to its partnership with the Tomorrow’s Engineers Code and the long-running STEM Ambassadors programme, which includes 48% women volunteers, to increase role model visibility.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
High and rising school standards are at the heart of the Government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and give every child the best start in life. We know that studying STEM subjects can boost students earning potential. We also know that there is a growing demand for students with STEM qualifications in the jobs market. Addressing the gender imbalances in STEM subjects would contribute to reducing shortages in the STEM pipeline and could also help to improve the gender pay gap. The Department for Education is reforming the curriculum to make STEM more relevant and engaging for every pupil, including girls. By embedding examples of scientists and innovators from diverse backgrounds throughout programmes of study, we will ensure every child can see themselves reflected in what they learn. These changes will dismantle stereotypes, raise aspirations, and build confidence creating a curriculum that equips all young people with the knowledge and ambition to succeed in STEM and drive future innovation. The DfE is a partner signatory to the Tomorrow’s Engineers Code pledging to work with the engineering community to improve the quality, targeting, inclusivity and reach of engineering inspiration activities. The Code is a framework for organisations working to increase the number and diversity of young people pursuing engineering careers. The STEM Ambassadors programme, funded by UKRI, is a nationwide network of more than 28,000 volunteers registered from over 7,500 employers, reaching over 3 million young people every year. The programme has been active for over 20 years. These volunteers engage with young people to spark interest in STEM subjects and showcase the wide variety of STEM careers by sharing their personal experiences. 57% of Ambassadors are under 35, 48% are women and 17% have an ethnic minority background.