STEM Needs You: Why It’s Time for Young Women to Shape the Future of Science and Tech

Across the globe, industries are racing to find qualified people to build the future. From artificial intelligence and sustainable energy to biomedical research and climate modeling, the world urgently needs scientists, engineers, technologists, and mathematicians to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. However, the reality is that we are facing a significant shortfall. By 2030, the global workforce could face a shortage of over 85 million skilled professionals. Additionally, there continues to be a significant underrepresentation of women in STEM fields—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

At the same time, countless brilliant young women are being overlooked, underestimated, or quietly stepping away from these fields before they even begin. The reasons are many: a lack of support in school, few visible role models, unconscious bias, and the persistent myth that STEM is for a particular kind of person, usually male, often white, and almost always confident. This needs to change.

The Women in STEM Network (WinS), a global platform created by Mums in Science Ltd, is working to make that change a reality. We believe that every girl who is curious about the world should have a fair shot at shaping its future. This article is a call to all young women, their parents, and their teachers to join us in that mission.

Why STEM Needs You

First, let us be clear about the stakes. STEM is not some niche sector tucked away in a lab. It is central to everything we do. The apps you use, the medicines that save lives, the energy that powers your home, and the data that helps us fight pandemics and protect the planet—all of these depend on STEM.

Yet despite the importance of STEM careers, women remain vastly underrepresented. Globally, women in STEM make up only 28 percent. In some disciplines and senior leadership roles, that figure is even lower. In the UK, for example, the gender pay gap in STEM remains nearly 19 percent, and 82 percent of female STEM professionals report facing barriers to career progression.

And here is the other side of the problem: in many countries, women are earning degrees in STEM at growing rates. In the UAE, for example, more than 60 percent of STEM graduates are women. Yet they are still twice as likely to leave their STEM careers compared to their male peers. This is not due to a lack of talent or ambition. It is because the support, community, and opportunities to stay and thrive simply are not there.

That is where we come in.

The Women in STEM Network

The Women in STEM Network is a new global initiative designed to offer support, training, and career development for women at every stage, from school and university to mid-career and senior leadership.

We are building a platform that includes:

• A mentorship hub where members can connect with experienced professionals.
• Secondly, a collaboration space for idea-sharing, innovation, and joint projects.
• A recruitment portal that links companies with talented candidates.
• A content library of on-demand webinars, workshops, and resources.
• A thriving online community for networking and support.

We aim to create a place where young women in STEM can see a future for themselves and get the tools and encouragement they need to pursue it.

For Teenagers: Finding Your Voice in STEM

If you are a teenage girl reading this, you may be wondering: What does all this have to do with me?

The answer is: everything.

Because right now, you are making decisions that will shape the next decade of your life. Whether you are choosing A-levels, applying to university, or simply deciding which extracurriculars to explore, every step you take can open or close a door. And one of the most powerful things you can do is to explore STEM.

You do not have to be the top student in maths. You do not need to have your future mapped out. All you need is curiosity and the courage to take the first step. At WinS, we will support you every step of the way.

We provide events, training sessions, and mentorships designed especially for young women. You can connect with professionals in your dream field, explore new areas of science and tech, and gain confidence in your ability to succeed.

For Teachers: Shaping Futures

Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping whether students pursue STEM. A single conversation can spark lifelong interest or discourage a bright young mind from exploring their full potential.

We encourage schools and teachers to partner with the Women in STEM Network. By doing so, you can offer your students access to real-world role models. Also, interactive workshops and CPD-accredited sessions that align with curriculum goals.

We are happy to collaborate on initiatives, provide speakers for school events, or work with teachers to embed inclusive STEM strategies into the classroom. Additionally, your role is essential to the success of this movement.

For Parents: Backing Your Daughter’s Dreams

Many girls leave STEM not because they cannot succeed, but because they do not believe they belong. That message often starts at home.

As a parent, one of the most powerful things you can do is to show your daughter that you believe in her. Encourage her to explore science and technology. Talk about the importance of these careers in everyday life. Let her know that if she loves biology, coding, or building things, she is not only welcome in STEM, she is needed.

Joining WinS is one way to make that message real. Our platform is a safe, inclusive space where young women can learn, connect, and thrive. It is a community that says: You are not alone.

A Global Movement

The Women in STEM Network already has over 23,000 followers across our channels. Moreover, we are growing rapidly. We run free monthly webinars on soft skills, from communication and negotiation to resilience and leadership. Experts lead our sessions, and they carry professional development accreditation.

We are backed by nearly two decades of experience through Mums in Science. In 2024, I was honored with the British Empire Medal for my contributions to advancing women in STEM. We have secured SEIS and EIS investment approvals and are currently raising funding to build the next generation of our platform.

But what matters most is not our history. It is what we are building next.

And that is where you come in.

How You Can Help

Whether you are a teenager curious about your future, a teacher guiding the next generation, or a parent who wants the best for your child, there is a place for you in the Women in STEM Network.

• Join us as a student member and access resources that help you build a STEM career from the ground up.
• Sign up as a school partner to bring our platform into your classrooms.
• Encourage your daughter or niece to register and explore our library of talks and training.

Visit the Women in STEM Network (WinS) to get started.

Because the future of STEM depends on inclusion. And inclusion starts with action.

Let us build that future together.

Additionally, to stay updated with the latest developments in STEM research, visit ENTECH Online. Basically, this is our digital magazine for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Furthermore, at ENTECH Online, you’ll find a wealth of information.