Have you ever heard of Margaret Hamilton's name? She led hundreds of NASA software experts in the Apollo 11 moon landing mission. Margaret was also the first to introduce the term "software engineering" as we know it today.

Or have you heard of Katherine Johnson? She was a mathematician who ensured that the Apollo 11 rocket's journey to the moon and back to Earth was precisely calculated.

What's common between them? Yup, they are both women and they both worked in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields.

Margaret and Katherine are two among many women who have proven that women play important roles and even become leaders in fields traditionally considered not suitable for women.

However, data still shows that there is a gender gap in STEM fields globally and nationally.

Data from The World Economic Forum shows that the percentage of women working in STEM fields was only 29.2% in 2023. In Indonesia, the percentage of women in STEM fields is only 27%.

What hinders women from pursuing careers in STEM?

1. Job Posting Bias

Bias in STEM job postings remains a serious issue. A study shows that STEM job advertisements are still discriminatory against women.

The reason is that advertising algorithms prioritize cost-effectiveness. Demographically, advertising job openings for women costs more than for men. Consequently, STEM job postings are more likely to be shown to men.

2. Recruitment Bias

From a recruitment perspective, women receive unfair treatment compared to men. A study shows that managers or HR personnel tend to prefer male candidates over female candidates.

One reason is that men are perceived to adapt more quickly and be more reliable in critical situations. However, in reality, conflict resolution skills are not gender-specific but require individual and social competencies.

3. Gender Stereotypes

Undeniably, gender stereotypes remain a serious barrier. Men are considered more capable and suitable for STEM work.

This perception stems from the belief that women are more suited for nurturing roles, while men are more suitable for technical and rigid roles.

Gender stereotypes often start in early childhood. Girls are often given toys that steer them towards traditional roles, such as dolls and mini kitchens, while boys are encouraged to explore technical learning, such as construction toys and robotics.

4. Discrimination

Even if women break through gender stereotypes, they still face discrimination in the workplace, such as being considered unsuitable for leadership positions and generally earning lower salaries than men.

Unlike men, to reach managerial positions, women have to make extra efforts that often drain their energy, time, and mental well-being.

Moreover, if women make mistakes in performance or decision-making, they are judged more harshly than men. This leads to women being more vulnerable to losing their jobs compared to men.

Therefore, women are not less capable or inferior to men in STEM fields. Margaret and Katherine are real-life examples that women can compete healthily and achieve success if given equal opportunities.

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