STEM is the acronym for the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In STEM fields women are largely underrepresented STEM jobs. According to UNESCO, only 35% of STEM students in higher education, globally, are women. The STEM fields have been predominantly male with very little participation from women. STEM being mainly male fields has made it very difficult for women to get the same amount of opportunities and respect as men in the same fields. 

Often in the STEM classes that are taken for these fields, there are more males in the classes and very few women. Since there is usually a male majority in STEM classes, women are sometimes avoided by the males in the classes which can make it difficult for the women to be treated the same way in the classes. 

“The guys often avoid the girls in the classes and always think that the girls never know what they’re doing,” Ava Moreno (10) said.

In classes women, many times are required to work with the men in their classes. When they have to work together, the men in the group tend to not listen to what the women have to say or avoid talking to them and listening to what they have to say. 

“They complain whenever girls have to work in groups with them, and they avoid having to have a conversation with you and listening to you,” Moreno said.