There has long been a disparity between men and women in STEM careers, with women holding only 25% of careers in computer science and mathematics. On the flip side, female K–12 students are more likely to succeed in math-based courses than their male counterparts. This difference demonstrates the importance of recognizing talent and encouraging young female mathematicians. Here are three ways to encourage girls to pursue careers in mathematics.
Highlight Female Role Models
Part of the problem is that girls don’t see themselves in Newton, Pythagoras, and other figures in the relatively male-dominant mathematical discourse. If that’s the case in your classroom, it’s time for a history lesson. Share with your students the successes of lesser-known but equally-important female mathematicians. A simple web search can teach you and your class about Hypatia, the first woman known to have taught math; Sophie Germain, who secretly studied math in a world that didn’t want her to; and Florence Nightingale, a nurse and social reformer whose interest in statistics led to the establishing of hospital sanitation standards.
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Brianna Bao 