Enriching Education: Why We Need More Women in STEM

 Women continue to be underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) workforce. But giving women equal opportunities to pursue STEM careers will ensure a diverse and talented workforce, prevent biases, narrow the gender pay gap and enhance women's economic security.

WATCH: Why we need more women in STEM

According to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), a non-profit organization that advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research, women make up only 28% of the workforce in STEM careers. Men vastly outnumber women majoring in STEM fields in colleges.

Gender stereotypes, male-dominated cultures and fewer female role models often perpetuate the gender gap in STEM fields even further. Furthermore, women already in a STEM field often find themselves as the only female in a room full of colleagues. This is where men can become allies in closing the STEM gender gap and help eliminate those stereotypes.

"Within meteorology, this field needs to have more diversity and we need to really be inspiring our next generation of scientists," AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said. "Just like I tell my 2-year-old daughter, 'You can be whatever you want to be.' If you have a passion for meteorology, science and having an impact on people's lives, you have an opportunity to do that here at AccuWeather and within the meteorological community."

Mentorship is a crucial way to increase the number of women within STEM. Prioritizing diverse, respectful and inclusive environments in the STEM field, especially with young girls, is the first step to creating a more diverse field.

For girls looking to get into STEM, it is never too early to start exploring career options.

Giving girls suitable encouragement and educational opportunities and raising awareness that women are just as capable as men will inspire the next generation of females in STEM.

Inspiring the next generation of females in STEM at AccuWeather (Full Story) >>

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