STEM fields and gender stereotypes against women.
Although society still holds the prejudice that women should only be associated with social sciences while engineering, technology, and mathematics are the "domains" of men, reality has proven that women are perfectly capable of succeeding in these fields.
According to statistics from the International Organization for Women in STEM, by 2025, women will account for approximately 33% of researchers globally. This demonstrates the crucial role of women in scientific and technological research and development.
Many female scientists around the world have demonstrated their outstanding influence through prestigious awards and groundbreaking discoveries. Dr. Donna Strickland, a physicist from Canada, won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics for her invention of ultrashort pulse amplification technology, which forms the basis of modern laser eye surgery. Professor Carolyn Bertozzi, who won the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, achieved success with her research on sugar crystal surfaces and their effects on cancer and infectious diseases like COVID-19. In the field of technology, Dr. Li Fei Fei, a pioneer in artificial intelligence, has become an icon of women's creativity and leadership in the digital age.
Dr. Donna Strickland (Canada) won the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics for her invention of the foundational technology behind modern laser eye surgery. Photo: Advanced Science News.
Not only globally, but also in Vietnam, the number of female students interested in STEM fields is increasing significantly. In particular, many young women have chosen to study abroad to pursue science, technology, and engineering in an international environment.
Ms. Nguyen Thu Hien, Director of 360 Connect study abroad consulting office with over 20 years of experience advising and guiding students on career paths in Asia, said that it is increasingly common and the number of female students coming to the center to learn about studying STEM fields is growing.
"You all have excellent academic records in science and engineering, with some even excelling in information technology. Many female students are just as capable as their male counterparts in STEM fields. After studying abroad, many of these female students have become outstanding success stories in STEM, earning very high salaries and benefits compared to the average," shared Ms. Thu Hien.
Some STEM fields are popular among women when studying abroad.
Studying STEM fields abroad not only helps female students access the world's most advanced knowledge but also opens up a golden opportunity to overcome traditional prejudices. In an equal and creative environment, women can freely develop critical thinking, build self-confidence and pride, and assert their strong position in the modern knowledge-based economy.
According to Mai Phuong, the Southeast Asia representative of Ontario Tech University (Canada), fields such as Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Kinesiology are currently attracting a large number of female students who are particularly interested in and pursuing these studies.
Ms. Mai Phuong (bottom right) represents the Southeast Asia region of Ontario Tech University (Canada). (Photo: Ontario Tech University)
In addition, many new STEM fields are becoming attractive options for female students: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Information Technology are among them. The training focuses on future technologies such as machine learning, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence language processing, and software engineering. This field is particularly well-suited to women due to their innate advantages in linguistic acuity, meticulous observation skills, and multitasking abilities.
The fields of Manufacturing Engineering, Robotics, and Mechatronics equip students with comprehensive knowledge of automation, intelligent robot design, and technological tools. Robotics today is no longer about heavy manual assembly work; it demands systems thinking, dexterity, and a keen aesthetic sense in design. The carefulness, meticulousness, and refined creativity of these young women are key to making automated products smoother, more user-friendly, and more applicable.
Biological sciences are one of the fields that female students are interested in when considering STEM studies abroad. Photo: Jobs.ac.uk.
In the field of medicine, Human Health Sciences opens up opportunities for students to conduct in-depth research in anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, cancer biology, and biomedical technology. This is the perfect path for women who want to contribute to public health and community healthcare through a broad scientific lens. The innate understanding, compassion, and sensitivity of women, combined with a modern biomedical foundation, will create humane medical solutions.
Furthermore, Data Visualization is a highly promising field of study, especially as data becomes a key resource in the digital economy. This specialization trains individuals in designing dashboards and strategic reports from complex data sources to support business decision-making. Women, with their refined organizational skills and ability to understand psychology, can easily transform abstract numbers into vivid, compelling visual narratives.
Studying STEM abroad always offers abundant opportunities for women, along with many exciting "privileges" for the future. Photo: Forbes.
For female students, studying STEM fields in developed countries not only offers a high chance of admission but also opens up significant advantages in their long-term careers.
Ms. Mai Phuong, the Southeast Asia representative of Ontario Tech University, shared some "privileges" for female students choosing STEM fields: "Technology and engineering fields not only offer a high chance of being accepted for overseas studies but also give women an advantage in society later on because these fields have social applications and allow for easy work-life balance. Engineering and science fields in Canada often have high salaries but a more flexible and relaxed work environment."
With their creative thinking, analytical skills, and strong sense of responsibility, women are contributing to making technology more humane and practical. STEM is no longer a field exclusively for men, but is being conquered by many female scientists with their knowledge and capabilities. In particular, thanks to support from global scholarship programs, these women studying STEM abroad are gradually reshaping the world.
Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/nhieu-co-hoi-cho-nu-gioi-du-hoc-nganh-stem-238260521163911722.htm
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