- Date published:
- March 2026
- Organisation:
- Gatsby
- Sectors:
- All
- Themes:
- Gender, STEM
The difference between the number of men and women participating in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is much wider in technical pathways than in academic ones. This has direct economic consequences, yet this part of the system remains largely missing from equity-focused programmes. The paper draws on evidence showing that sustained exposure shapes perceptions and narrows the gender gap in interest in technical careers.