Bringing More Women into STEM Fields

Worldwide, the STEM fields—science, technology, engineering and mathematics—are hot, particularly in education. Seen as economic engines, they have receive considerable attention and interest from policymakers, administrators and students. Yet, according to surveys conducted by the United Nations, the percentage of female students across the globe graduating with science related degrees is still significantly lower than that of male students. On February 11, 2016, the UN hosted its first International Day of Women and Girls in Science to help provide women and girls equal access and participation in science.

Among the attendees was Maureen C. Roller, D.N.P., clinical associate professor in Adelphi’s College of Nursing and Public Health.  In an interview with United Nations Radio, Dr. Roller, along with two high school seniors, discussed the reasons behind the smaller female representation in STEM fields and what can be done to address it.

“I think there’s a prejudice, and I think the more women that go into medicine and science, the less prejudice there will be, and just having women in these areas is going to change the whole perception over time,” she said.

Dr. Roller and the two students agreed that it was beneficial to everybody to see more women enter STEM fields, as it allows women and girls to expand into areas that have traditionally been dominated by men.

“We want to make sure women know they can achieve in all areas,” Dr. Roller said.

» Listen to the full interview at United Nations Radio