American Association of University Women

4 Reasons Why We Mark Women in Science & Technology Month

June is Women in Science and Technology Month, which is a great time to celebrate and reflect on the progress (or lack thereof) of girls and women in these critical fields. And here are four very good reasons why you should give a damn.

1. Because it’s time to fight back against gender bias. A study found that more than 70 percent of people subconsciously think of science and technology as ‘male’ fields. This stereotype isn’t just a harmless myth: it’s hurting women in the workplace. This month, we’ll be telling women’s stories about the discrimination they experienced in STEM fields. Gender bias is real. If you’ve experienced it, you’re not alone. And if we’re going to stop gender bias from holding women back, we need to acknowledge it now. We need to acknowledge that we can do better.

2. Because our nation is still behind in STEM education. When students all around the world were tested on their math and science skills, the US came in behind many other developed countries – especially American girls. Is STEM education in crisis in America? How do we solve it, and how do we better serve our girls? This month, we’ll be talking about some of the creative ways that educators are responding to the “STEM crisis”, and creating a better world for girls in the process.

3. Because women in science and technology are doing amazing things. Women’s achievements in the scientific fields are often overlooked or even attributed to their male peers. But look a little deeper, and you’ll see that despite institutional barriers and gender bias, women are still blazing new trails. You’ve probably heard of Marie Curie, and maybe you know that the element Meitnerium is named for a woman, Lise Meitner. But where are the Marie Curies and Lise Meitners of 2013? Well, everywhere! This month, we’ll be sharing ideas and projects from women today that are already changing the future of science and technology forever.

4. Because we believe in you. Hey, STEM ladies. We know that you’re the next generation of innovators, of role models, of heroes. That’s why we need to tackle and overcome the challenges that women face in STEM today. Because if women have already achieved so much, just imagine what we could do if we started off on an equal playing field? The sky’s not even the limit!